Ethnicity in the Former Yugoslavia Does it hinder or advance Political Development?

Some Facts on Yugoslavia n 6 Socialist republics: BH, Croatia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Slovenia, Serbia (Kosovo, Vojvodina) n Republic of Serbia most populated, Montenegro least populated n Between’71/’81 census there was a population growth and that was because of a rise in the standard of living n Before the War there were 1.5 million Yugoslavs living in other countries

More facts on Yugoslavia n Yugoslavia borders 7 countries: Austria, Hungry, Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, Albania n Serbo-Croatian, Slovenian, Macedonian were all official languages n Capital of Yugoslavia was Belgrade, now is just the capital of Serbia

Last Slide on Facts n Communist Party came into power in 1921 and remained until Tito’s death –primary task at the time was to draw attention to all the nations and nationalities of Yugoslavia and to defend the countries unity and independence against Fascist aggression

What is Ethnicity? n Characteristics of internally and externally defined groups who behave and are regarded as a distinctive social entity

History of how Ethnicity has Affected Yugoslavia n The revolutionary movements in Europe at the end of the 18th and 19th centuries, the expansion of capitalism, the beginning of an organized working-class movement, and the process of nation building, were all factors which exerted a strong influence on the struggle waged by the Yugoslav peoples for nation-building, socio-economic development and affirmation of statehood.

History of Ethnicity n Serbia and Montenegro had liberated themselves and in 1878 their recognition was seen on an international level n South Slavs wanted a common state –hoped to successfully ensure external pressures and national survival and independent economic political and cultural development

More Ethnicity n The ruling Serbian bourgeoisie refused to recognized the national identity of the Macedonians, Montenegrins and Muslims n The constitution adopted in 1921, by a majority of 223 out of a total 413 votes in Parliament, legally sanctioned national inequality and a highly centralized system of gov’t

Nations, Nationalities and Ethnic Groups in the Former Yugoslavia, 1981

Diversity Within the Former Yugoslavia

Ethnic Composition of Yugoslav Successor States (1992)

Ethnicity and Political Development n Must take into account both the constraints and the opportunities n 5 subjects which incorporate development (Weiner) –Policies helping economic growth –Increased role for state –Expanded participation –Ability to maintain order under change –Explanation of revolutions

Problems n Instability n Compromise (us vs. them attitude) n Autonomy n Rise of nationalist movements n Lack of economic growth n Nation-state theory Death of Tito, fall of communism –one party system to multi-ethnic parties

Dayton Peace Agreement n Recognition of other states n Respect human rights n Cooperation/Compliance n Supervised elections n A new constitution n Central bank/monetary system Establish transportation/public facilities

What needs to happen for Political Development to work n Democracy n Must have gov’t which doesn’t cater to the hatreds - Milosevic did n Must avoid disintegration Social, political, economic unrest n Until all people in Yugoslavia can recognize and comprehend the other cultures, ethnicity will hinder Political Development