"Inat is a Serbian noun which does not directly translate into English, but roughly means “regardless of the consequences.” Far from being just a simple word, inat is best described as a spirit which is embodied in the psyche of the Serbian [can also of course be applied to many other people, groups, etc.] people.
Over the past six centuries, inat has played a significant role in compelling the tiny Serb nation to resist the Ottoman Empire, challenge the Austro-Hungarian Empire and refuse to capitulate to the Nazi-German invaders [most recently resisted the combined might of North Atlantic Treaty Organization members massive bombardment and other attacks]. In every one of these David vs. Goliath struggles, the Serbian people have endured horrible suffering without losing their collective will to resist. "
[Source: Taylor, Scott. Inat: Images of Serbia and the Kosovo Conflict. Esprit de Corps Books. CA, 2000, viii.]