Contemporary Yugoslavia

Contemporary Yugoslavia: Twenty Years of Socialist Experiment offers a comprehensive analysis of Yugoslavia's political, economic, and social evolution since World War II. This volume, based on papers presented at a 1965 Stanford University conference, explores pivotal issues such as Yugoslavia's postwar reconstruction, its departure from Stalinist orthodoxy, and the adoption of "national communism." Featuring contributions from leading scholars, the book examines topics like Tito's leadership, the transformation of Yugoslav-Marxist thought, economic decentralization, and the complex nationality problem. The authors highlight Yugoslavia's unique trajectory, blending socialism with capitalistic reforms, and its impact on both domestic stability and international relations.

This insightful collection underscores the profound effects of wartime disruptions and Communist policies on Yugoslav society, from social modernization to enduring ethnic tensions. Essays delve into the struggle for national unity amid centrifugal forces, the role of strategic leadership, and the challenges of sustaining liberalization and democratization. For scholars and readers interested in Cold War history, socialist systems, or the Balkan region, this book provides a nuanced understanding of Yugoslavia's revolutionary path and its broader implications for global politics and social change.

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1969.