of Croatia as a federal republic of Yugoslavia (1990–92) and as an independent state (1992–99). Imprisoned in the 1970s and 1980s for his advocacy of Croatian independence, he led the Croatian forces in the fight against the Serb‐led Yugoslavian army (1991–92) and involved Croatian forces in the civil war in Bosnia and Herzegovina. He was re‐elected President in 1997, although the election was criticized for his total control of the media.