2.3.9. Yugoslavia (1945-1990)

Yugoslavia, 1945-1990

• After World War II, Yugoslavia overthrew the monarchy and declared a republic.
• The Federal People's Republic of Yugoslavia (OΛΔΓ) was established.
• Later, it was renamed the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (ΟΣΔΓ).
• The political system initially mirrored the Soviet model and later shifted toward socialist self-management.
• Yugoslavia's foreign policy was active and flexible.

The Political System in Yugoslavia

• On November 29, 1945, Yugoslavia, liberated from Axis powers, abolished the monarchy.
• The new constitution established the Federal People's Republic of Yugoslavia (OΛΔΓ).
• It was promptly recognized as a member of the UN.
• The Communist Party of Yugoslavia, led by Josip Broz Tito, seized power, creating a one-party state.
• The OΛΔΓ comprised six independent republics: Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, and Macedonia.
• It also included two autonomous regions, Kosovo and Vojvodina.
• The 1963 constitution renamed the state to the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (ΟΣΔΓ).

Domestic and Foreign Policy of Yugoslavia

• Yugoslavia was under Stalin's influence from 1945 to 1948, mirroring the Soviet model in its economic, social, and political structure.
• Nationalization of industries as well as a five-year economic plan were implemented.
• Agricultural reform and collectivization were initiated.
• Yugoslavia underwent significant changes from 1950 to 1990, breaking away from the Soviet system.
• A system of self-management was adopted in state-owned enterprises.
• Workers' collectives managed factories and various businesses.
• Differing from centralized planning, these collectives decided on production, organization, sales, and worker compensation.
• Tito promoted Yugoslav self-management as a new form of socialism, distinct from Soviet and Western models.
• Self-management was not as competitive or developmental as Western economies.
• This system was based on free market economy and private ownership.
• Yugoslavia pursued an active and flexible foreign policy from 1945 to 1990, adapting to global developments.
• It maintained friendly ties with the Soviet Union and its satellite states from 1945-48, generally following Moscow's lead.
• Yugoslavia distanced itself from the Council for Mutual Economic Assistance (COMECON) after 1948.
• Relations with Moscow deteriorated, and it leaned toward Western countries like Italy, France, and the U.S.
• After Stalin's death and during Khrushchev's leadership, ties with the Soviet Union improved.
• Yugoslavia's foreign policy balanced between the West and the East.
• Yugoslavia fostered special relationships with countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
• Towards the end of the 20th century, the unity of Yugoslavia as a federal state weakened.
• Developments in Europe due to liberal and nationalistic ideas influenced Yugoslavia.
• The federal republics developed centrifugal tendencies, seeking independence from Belgrade.
• The pressure and conservative policies of Belgrade led to the dissolution of Yugoslavia.

Glossary

• Self-management: An economic structure based on worker-managed state enterprises.
• Non-Aligned Countries: Nations unaligned with either the Cold War's NATO or Warsaw Pact blocs.

Tito and the Non-Aligned Movement

• Post-war, international politics saw new developments, including the emergence of states not aligned with Cold War adversaries.
• From 1950-60s, Yugoslavia invested in relationships with non-aligned countries.
• The first conference of Non-Aligned Countries was held in Belgrade in 1961.
• Tito was seen as the leader of the non-aligned.
• The Non-Aligned Movement opposed the superpowers.
• Belgrade promoted the the idea of a "New World" that sought to de-escalate global tensions.
• It was believed that peaceful coexistence between societies with different political systems would allow each nation to maintain its own sovereignty.