Inside Story: Dogs Of War is a gripping documentary that explores the involvement of foreign fighters in the Yugoslav Civil War, specifically the ‘First International Company’ that was based in the eastern Slavonian town of Osijek. Led by Eduardo Rozsa-Flores, a Bolivian-Hungarian adventurer with a shadowy past, the company consisted of a number of foreign volunteers who fought alongside the Croats in the war.
The film features interviews with several members of the company, including Kit, a career soldier from the north-east of England who struggles to adjust to civilian life after the death of his wife. In Croatia, he finds a new sense of purpose through his work with the company, putting novices through a rudimentary boot camp and leading them on intelligence-gathering and sabotage missions behind enemy lines.
One of the most fascinating aspects of the documentary is the exploration of Eduardo’s past. He is a jovial journalist-turned-soldier, but his history is dark and complex, involving far-right nationalism, pre-Soviet collapse espionage, and blurred identities. Despite his lack of military aptitude, he manages to charm his way into command of the foreigners.
The film also delves into the death of journalist Paul Jenks and the activities of far-right adventurer Eduardo Rozsa-Flores, shedding light on the dangerous and unpredictable world of foreign fighters.
Overall, Inside Story: Dogs Of War is a thought-provoking and informative documentary that provides a deep dive into the world of foreign fighters and their involvement in the Yugoslav Civil War. It offers a nuanced and balanced view of the conflict, with a focus on the personal stories of those involved.