Promene : postjugoslovenski prostor tri decenije kasnije
Changes: the post-Yugoslav space three decades later
Contributor(s): Goran Bašić (Editor)
Subject(s): Politics / Political Sciences, History
Published by: Институт друштвених наука
Keywords: Social Attitudes; Western Balkans; Neoliberalism; Yugoslavia; Disintegration 1991–1995; post-Yugoslav space
Summary/Abstract: What is a happy society? Had Yugoslavia been a happier society than the societies that were created on its territory? What was the position of social sciences, scientists and the Institute of Social Sciences in the distribution of the Yugoslav and post-Yugoslav happiness? These are the main dilemmas that I deal with in this paper – preface. I have no ambition to answer these questions, but I intend to stimulate thinking about whether the capacity of the Yugoslav state, had it resisted the challenges that occurred immediately after the deconstruction of the “Iron Curtain“ myth, to respond to the challenges of the age in which liberalism marches on with furious pace, would have been greater than that of the states that were created in its territory
- Print-ISBN-13: 978-86-7093-275-3
- Page Count: 341
- Publication Year: 2024
- Language: Bosnian, Croatian, Serbian, Montenegrine
O srećnim društvima i promenama koje sreću kvare: Umesto predgovora
O srećnim društvima i promenama koje sreću kvare: Umesto predgovora
(On Happy Societies and the Changes that Spoil Happiness)
- Author(s):Goran Bašić
- Language:Serbian
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, History, Social Sciences
- Page Range:6-15
- No. of Pages:10
- Keywords:post-Yugoslav space; social sciences; happiness; conference
- Summary/Abstract:What is a happy society? Had Yugoslavia been a happier society than the societies that were created on its territory? What was the position of social sciences, scientists and the Institute of Social Sciences in the distribution of the Yugoslav and post-Yugoslav happiness? These are the main dilemmas that I deal with in this paper – preface. I have no ambition to answer these questions, but I intend to stimulate thinking about whether the capacity of the Yugoslav state, had it resisted the challenges that occurred immediately after the deconstruction of the “Iron Curtain“ myth, to respond to the challenges of the age in which liberalism marches on with furious pace, would have been greater than that of the states that were created in its territory.
O istom: Tranzicija kao permanentno stanje
O istom: Tranzicija kao permanentno stanje
(About the same: Transition as a permanent state)
- Author(s):Vesna Goldsvorti
- Language:Serbian
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, History, Cultural history
- Page Range:16-18
- No. of Pages:3
Promene i prošlost
Promene i prošlost
(Changes and the past)
- Author(s):Aleksa Đilas
- Language:Serbian
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, History
- Page Range:20-23
- No. of Pages:4
Peterostruka tranzicija na Zapadnom Balkanu
Peterostruka tranzicija na Zapadnom Balkanu
(Fivefold Transition in the Western Balkans)
- Author(s):Dejan Jović
- Language:Serbian
- Subject(s):History, Transformation Period (1990 - 2010), Post-Communist Transformation
- Page Range:24-41
- No. of Pages:18
- Keywords:Transition; Western Balkans; post-Communism; Yugoslavia; the 1990s
- Summary/Abstract:In this article author is focussed on fivefold transition in post-Yugoslav states, which has over the last 30 years simultaneously changed – with different effects, sometimes in real terms and sometimes only nominally, as a simulated transition – political systems, economic relations, statehood, identities and status of peace and war. All five aspects of the transition are still unfinished, which confirms the original interpretation of the concept of transition, as developed by the first generation of transitologists (those concerned with processes in Latin America and South Europe in the 1970s and 1980s) who understood transition as process that has certain beginning but not a certain end. Changes that were produced by this fivevold post-Yugoslav transition(s) were big, but not necessarily progressive. The author is focussed in particular on interaction between various aspects of transition. He emphasises the importance and traumatic character of the fourth transition – of identities in former Yugoslavia, since this aspect was often neglected in contemporary studies of transition.
Bosna i Bošnjaci izvan Jugoslavije
Bosna i Bošnjaci izvan Jugoslavije
(Bosnia and Bosniaks Outside Yugoslavia)
- Author(s):Šaćir Filandra
- Language:Serbian
- Subject(s):International relations/trade, Nationalism Studies, Inter-Ethnic Relations
- Page Range:42-55
- No. of Pages:14
- Keywords:Bosnia and Herzegovina; Bosniaks; peace negotiations; territorial nationalism; national parties
- Summary/Abstract:The dissolution of the Yugoslav federal state opened the process of political pluralisation and democratisation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The question of the internal organisation of the state became the crucial issue for all political/national actors. This constitutional and political question was being addressed through military measures during the war against Bosnia and Herzegovina. The attained solutions have been determined by Realpolitik and they constitute a divided society within the single state.
Makedonski demokratski (dis)kontinuitet (postjugoslovenski pregled)
Makedonski demokratski (dis)kontinuitet (postjugoslovenski pregled)
(Macedonian Democratic (Dis)Continuity (Post-Yugoslav Review))
- Author(s):Ana Čupeska
- Language:Serbian
- Subject(s):History, Recent History (1900 till today), Transformation Period (1990 - 2010), Post-Communist Transformation
- Page Range:56-68
- No. of Pages:13
- Keywords:Macedonian democracy; democratic (dis)continuity
- Summary/Abstract:No democracy can be consolidated for eternity. Democratic trajectories of states worldwide do not show linear progression – on the contrary: both old and new democracies may encounter the shadow of totalitarianism, or so-called democratic regression, authoritarian populism, illiberalism, democratic discontinuity, and other manifestations of tensions, deformities, or even contradictions within the democracy itself. This type of socio- political (and phenomenological) dynamics in relation to democracy indicates that “democratisation of the very democracy“ may be one of the preconditions for its real progress and require that we think of democracy as of Derrida’s democracy to come (a venire). In this spirit, the Republic of Macedonia (today North Macedonia), as but one of the six successors of the SFR Yugoslavia, acquired its independence peacefully, without being involved in the armed conflicts of the time, but it also had its own, specific kind of development. Even though to avoid war in this situation full of tensions that was dominant in the region throughout 1990s, may legitimately be deemed a major political achievement, the state’s transition to democracy was by no means smooth, and the state’s democratic trajectory had a certain (dis)continuity. Deeply politically and culturally divided Macedonian society often made democratic processes complicated, enduring serious political turmoil, while simultaneously trying to keep political continuity, at least superficially. The key years for the Macedonian democratic statehood, though problematic, bearing in mind the discontinuity episodes (the most problematic of which concerns the authoritarian populism of Gruevski’s regime), are related to four democratically constitutive periods and certain historical events: I. ASNOM in 1945 (with the establishing of the first republic as the Socialist Republic of Macedonia); II. 1991 Independence Referendum and the adoption of the Constitution of the independent Republic of Macedonia (The Second Republic); III. Signing the Ohrid Framework Agreement in 2001 and constituting multiculturally accommodative political system (The Third Republic); IV. The Prespa Agreement and final resolution of the name dispute with Greece, followed by the consequent NATO membership of North Macedonia.
Pomračenje svetle budućnosti: Nekoliko misli o sadašnjosti i budućnosti levice (u 20 teza)
Pomračenje svetle budućnosti: Nekoliko misli o sadašnjosti i budućnosti levice (u 20 teza)
(The Bright Future Dimed: A few thoughts on the present and future of the Left (in 20 theses))
- Author(s):Mitja Žagar
- Language:Serbian
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, Political Theory
- Page Range:70-83
- No. of Pages:14
- Keywords:The Left; inclusion and integration; equality and social justice; climate and environmental crisis; inclusive just balanced and green sustainable development; de-growth
- Summary/Abstract:The world has changed in the last four decades. The future that seemed bright in the 1980s has since dimed. The optimism of the late 1980s and early 1990s, which accompanied the processes of democratization with the expectation that the world would become better and safer, soon began to fade, and trends shifted. The war on terror(ism) declared after September 11, 2001, and the temporary restrictions on certain human rights and freedoms, often becoming permanent, did not fulfill the promises and expectations that these measures would ensure and enhance security. Simultaneously, the negative impacts and consequences of global (financial) capitalism and consumerism escalated the environmental and climate crisis. The Left, no longer addressing the significance of class divisions, union and class struggles, is losing its traditional social and electoral base and is struggling to adapt to changed circumstances. Traditional values such as justice, equality, solidarity, participation, co-management, and self-management are neglected, yet the Left fails to offer attractive ideological and political alternatives. This contribution provides some suggestions on how the Left could more successfully respond to the key challenges of the present and future, becoming a crucial promotor of and factor in the urgently needed (future) social and economic reforms, changes, and transformation, and being a leader of the broadest social coalition and movement for the inclusive, green sustainable development based on mutual respect, equal cooperation, justice, equality, and solidarity, considering all climate, environmental, and social limitations.
Tranzicija sa aspekta države blagostanja i liberalizma: slučaj Slovenije
Tranzicija sa aspekta države blagostanja i liberalizma: slučaj Slovenije
(Transition from the Aspect of the Welfare State and Liberalism: The Case Of Slovenia)
- Author(s):Marjan Svetličič
- Language:Serbian
- Subject(s):Sociology, Welfare systems, Welfare services, Transformation Period (1990 - 2010), Post-Communist Transformation
- Page Range:86-104
- No. of Pages:19
- Keywords:welfare state; liberalism; oscillations between models; gradualism; inequalities; new development model
- Summary/Abstract:During the entire period of 30 years, the elements of welfare state and liberalism were intertwined in the process of transition in Slovenia. Prior to the EU membership, elements of welfare state had been stronger, and then the erosion of the welfare state and the strengthening of liberalism began. Paradoxically, these schizophrenic oscillations were not only related to the change of governments, from the left to the centre-right. Both of these governments used the instruments of welfare state and liberalism, largely depending on the conditions on the world market and political parties’ calculations. Relatively stronger elements of welfare state were the result of gradualism, stronger unionization of workers, the power of the civil society and a high degree of preference for equality as a social value. In terms of most welfare state elements (equality, education, health, pension system), Slovenia is at the top of the EU. Inequalities are small, although the differences between the young and the old and the rich and the poorest are growing due to the precariousness of work. Satisfaction with life is quite high, which is also a consequence of the low level of unemployment. The public school system produces good results, even though privatization has taken hold there, lowering the quality of education, especially at the university level. The biggest problem is the healthcare system. Privatization, i.e. liberalism, took its deepest roots there and thereby increased inequality between citizens. Waiting lines for specialists are too long. The Slovenian pension system, despite the gradual tightening of criteria, is quite generous. The biggest challenge for the future is to find a model of development that would incorporate the good sides of welfare state and the efficiency of capitalism, because it has become clear that the existing individualistic capitalism is in crisis.
Generalne promene u ekonomskom sistemu Severne Makedonije u toku tri decenije samostalnosti
Generalne promene u ekonomskom sistemu Severne Makedonije u toku tri decenije samostalnosti
(General Changes in the Economic System of the Republic of North Macedonia during the Three Decades of its Independence)
- Author(s):Vančo Uzunov, Biljana Petrevska
- Language:Serbian
- Subject(s):History, Economic history, Transformation Period (1990 - 2010), Post-Communist Transformation
- Page Range:106-114
- No. of Pages:9
- Keywords:transition; economic system; changes
- Summary/Abstract:The main focus of the research in this paper are the general directions of reform that the economic system of the Republic of North Macedonia has taken in the last 30 years. Namely, the dissolution of the earlier system in the early 1990s, known as the socialist self-management market-economic system, initiated a search for new solutions. After the independence of 1991 and the constitution of what was then the Republic of Macedonia as an independent and sovereign state, the transition of the Macedonian political and economic system intensified. Basically, one could identify a couple of fundamental changes in organization and functioning of the economic system and economic policy, the implementation of which has indeed initiated the transition of the economic system of the Republic of North Macedonia. These included reform of legal and institutional framework, macroeconomic reforms, microeconomic reforms, as well as structural reforms (both in the so-called “real“ and in the financial sectors). All these changes that occurred in the last three decades have shaped the appearance of the current economic system of the Republic of North Macedonia. Additionally, the economic system of the Republic of North Macedonia has also been reformed through implementing the so-called “EU Acquis”. A stylised presentation of all those changes is the main subject and purpose of this paper.
Finansijska nejednakost i održivost države blagostanja: svijet i zemlje bivše SFRJ
Finansijska nejednakost i održivost države blagostanja: svijet i zemlje bivše SFRJ
(Financial Inequality and Sustainability of Welfare State: The World and the Countries of the Former SFRY)
- Author(s):Fikret Čaušević
- Language:Serbian
- Subject(s):Economic history
- Page Range:116-133
- No. of Pages:18
- Keywords:welfare state; financial inequality; economic sustainability
- Summary/Abstract:In the focus of the analysis presented in this text is the question of sustainability of the welfare state concept in the light of the huge changes that have taken place in the global economy and, especially, global financial course in the last three decades. While the final decade of the last millennium was marked with the dominance and proportionately faster economic growth of the world’s most developed economies, the first two decades of the third millennium were characterised by the decrease of the differences in production per capita, and a simultaneous sudden rise when it comes to the differences in the financial resources used to finance economic growth between the world’s most advanced countries and developing countries. An especially pronounced fall in financial efficiency, i.e. a surge in financial expenditures accompanied with a fall in production per unit of spent financial resources has been recorded in the most developed economies of the world. Europe, i.e. the EU countries, and especially its western, the most developed part, as well as France and the countries in the south of the EU, were, together with the US, among the least financially efficient countries of the developed world. Such trends, together with a huge surge of the differences in the global distribution of income, and especially the net income between the wealthiest 10% and the rest of the world’s population, have been directly undermining the financial and economic sustainability of welfare state, implying a thorough redefinition of the tax system and sources of development funding in the world. The problems related to sustainability of welfare state have been multiplied in the countries of former Yugoslavia by huge war losses and destruction in the period of the SFRY dissolution, from 1991 to 2000. These problems have been augmented by an intense stratification of the population, as a consequence of the transition and privatisation, as well as accelerated depopulation of this part of Europe. Excessively growing financial inefficiency in the majority of developed countries, as well as in some of the fastest growing large economies in development, would imply huge political pressure that may have far-reaching consequences on the global stability.
Tri decenije tranzicije u Crnoj Gori: ekonomski aspekti i periodizacija
Tri decenije tranzicije u Crnoj Gori: ekonomski aspekti i periodizacija
(Three Decades of Transition in Montenegro: Economic Aspects and Periodisation)
- Author(s):Gordana Đurović
- Language:English
- Subject(s):Politics, Economic history, Transformation Period (1990 - 2010), Post-Communist Transformation, EU-Approach / EU-Accession / EU-Development, Corruption - Transparency - Anti-Corruption
- Page Range:134-145
- No. of Pages:12
- Keywords:transition; periodization; Montenegro; economic indicators; EU accession
- Summary/Abstract:Three decades of transition of the Montenegrin economy were marked by turbulent events throughout the entire post-Yugoslav area. The disintegration of the common state took place in the worst-case scenario of the civil war, which led to the international recognition of several new states (Slovenia, Croatia, FYR Macedonia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina). The entire first decade of the transition, centur i.e. the 1990s, has been developmentally recognized as a period of transitional recession, a strong economic downturn and the exclusion of the newly formed FR Yugoslavia (1992) from international economic relations. Unlike the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, the transition in the area of the Western Balkans did not develop into European integration in this period. The second phase of the transition, the phase of more serious economic, but also democratic, transitional reforms in Montenegro, included the period until May 2006, while the first years after regaining independence and the experience of the global economic and financial crisis can be called the third phase of the transitional changes in Montenegro. The fourth phase of the transition can be symbolically linked to the beginning of the accession negotiations with the EU (2012) where further reforms have been operated through the adoption of EU regulations and standards in almost all areas of life, and the transition has gradually turned into European integration, with changing dynamics of accession talks. This phase of transition, although fraught with strong challenges such as the postponement of a significant set of reforms and the growth of indebtedness, until the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine, should end with the full-fledged membership of Montenegro in the European Union. This paper provides a concise overview of the transition in Montenegro that has lasted for more than three decades now, with a focus on the economic aspects and specifics of the mentioned development periods given through the analysis of the selected economic indicators.
Ekonomske promene u regionu Zapadnog Balkana i Srbiji
Ekonomske promene u regionu Zapadnog Balkana i Srbiji
(Economic Changes in the Region of the Western Balkans and Serbia)
- Author(s):Milica Uvalić
- Language:Serbian
- Subject(s):Economy, National Economy, Supranational / Global Economy, Public Finances, Socio-Economic Research
- Page Range:146-161
- No. of Pages:16
- Keywords:Transition; liberalisation; privatization; economic development; neoliberal model; welfare state
- Summary/Abstract:This chapter describes the most important economic changes that have taken place in the Western Balkan region and Serbia during the past decades. We will first point to the main similarities between the Western Balkan countries, concerning the starting conditions for implementing the transition, phases of economic development and the model of transition to a market economy. Despite a number of differences, all Western Balkan countries have implemented, sooner or later, the neoliberal model of transition in line with the so-called „Washington consensus“, based on the belief that minimal government intervention in enterprise policies was the safest way to secure a functional market economy. Such a transition strategy has brought good results in some areas, but has also caused many socio-economic problems that have been proven difficult to eliminate. This is illustrated in the second half of the chapter that provides an overview of the most important economic changes during the past decade, through a comparative analysis of the most important economic indicators. The global financial and economic crisis that hit the region with force in late 2008 demonstrated the high vulnerability of the Western Balkans to external shocks. The global crisis brought to the surface key structural problems of the Western Balkan economies, including limited competitiveness on external markets, insufficient creation of new jobs, and strong process of deindustrialisation along with limited restructuring of the real sector of their economies. An important role was attributed to foreign investors, who were expected to bring fresh capital, introduce modern technologies and managerial skills, in this way contributing to fast restructuring of a large part of these economies. Such expectations were fulfilled only in part, both in Serbia and in the other Western Balkan countries. One of the main consequences of such a transition strategy has been slow economic development, with limited convergence of the Western Balkan countries income with the average income of the European Union. Regarding future policies, it would be important to implement a more active industrial policy, devote more attention to the development of human capital and improve the functioning of government and non-government institutions.
Efekti tranzicije na blagostanje i nejednakost u zemljama bivše SFRJ
Efekti tranzicije na blagostanje i nejednakost u zemljama bivše SFRJ
(Effects of Transition on Welfare and Inequality in the Countries of the Former SFRY)
- Author(s):Sanja Filipović
- Language:Serbian
- Subject(s):Economy, National Economy, Transformation Period (1990 - 2010), Post-Communist Transformation, Socio-Economic Research
- Page Range:162-180
- No. of Pages:19
- Keywords:transition; SFRY; standard of living; inequality
- Summary/Abstract:The aim of the paper is to determine the effects of the economic transition on the level of social welfare and inequality in the countries of the former Yugoslavia (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Slovenia). After the disintegration of the former Yugoslavia, all countries opted for market reforms based on neoliberal economic principles. Since the beginning of the transition to a market economy, all countries had faced recession and hyperinflation, which resulted in the decline of the living standards. Therefore, the first phase of the transition aimed to establish macroeconomic stability, but also to liberalize the market, while the second phase of transition was focused on institutional reforms that would enable the inflow of capital. However, different political and economic circumstances, as well as the dynamics and method of implementing reforms, influenced the success of the transition process, which was reflected in the level of well-being in these countries. Even thirty years since the beginning of the transition, Slovenia has still maintained the highest level of well-being both in terms of gross domestic product per capita and the value of the Human Development Index. Additionally, Slovenia has the lowest level of inequality, which has been stable since 2004. Based on the data analysis, it can be concluded that the application of neoliberal economic principles had an effect both on the level of living standards and on the level of inequality, and it is of crucial importance to find a model of improving well-being and reducing inequality, which would be participatory and decentralized, federal and democratic.
Promene, krize i rat
Promene, krize i rat
(Changes, crises and war)
- Author(s):Rastko Močnik
- Language:Serbian
- Subject(s):Economic history, Transformation Period (1990 - 2010), Post-Communist Transformation
- Page Range:184-198
- No. of Pages:15
- Keywords:varieties of post-socialism; comprador bureaucracy; restoration of capitalism; authoritarian statism
- Summary/Abstract:The contribution presents the complex dynamics of the long-term crisis of the capitalist world-system, and points to its class-determined nature. Within the global frame, it specifically examines the diverging developments in post-socialist societies, and shows how they depend upon the outcome of tensions between the two main factions within the ruling groups – the political bureaucracy and the local capital-management alliance. The text proposes establishment of a new field of research – the varieties of post-socialism. It notes the exceptionality of the Chinese way, and assesses the prevailing influence of comprador bureaucracy in most other countries, with the rare exception of local, mostly rentier capital taking the lead. The contribution ends with a brief examination of the possibility of systemic change, and a possible role of social theory in this process.
Etnonacionalizam – najkancerogenija prijetnja Bosni i Hercegovini kao državi i društvu
Etnonacionalizam – najkancerogenija prijetnja Bosni i Hercegovini kao državi i društvu
(Ethnonationalism – the most Carcinogenic Threat to Bosnia and Herzegovina as a State and Society)
- Author(s):Slavko Kukić
- Language:Bosnian
- Subject(s):Politics, Sociology, Security and defense, Nationalism Studies, Inter-Ethnic Relations
- Page Range:200-210
- No. of Pages:11
- Keywords:BiH; sovereignty; ethnonationalists authorities; global centres of power; attitude of neighbours toward BiH
- Summary/Abstract:In 2022, Bosnia and Herzegovina marked the 30th anniversary of its sovereignty and international recognition as a state. Though this kind of assessments can often be heard from the headquarters of ethno-nationalist oligarchies, all this time is, indeed, not merely the time of witnessing it being a ruined state, impossible without the apparatuses of the global power centres that have been sustaining it. Quite the contrary: in 30 years of its existence, BiH became a UN member, a significant part of what had been destroyed in the war was renewed, new economic capacities have been built, its young people, athletes, students, scientists have been achieving impressive results, thus becoming the most influential ambassadors of their country all over the world. Unfortunately, throughout these 30 years, BiH has endured serious historical challenges, being between Scylla and Charybdis of civilisation, its’ stumbling being caused by those very actors mandated to make it a European state and society, but also by the mighty from without, who would preferably destroy it and use its territory to enlarge their own. The Calvary that BiH endured due its decision to head to its European future as a sovereign state is most keenly testified to by the imposed war, responsible for more than 100 thousand of human lives, hundreds of thousands of devastated, or completely ruined family, economic, or public buildings, as well as total demographic devastation. According to some estimates, more than 50% of the total population was either banished, or migrated in order to save their lives. The most of them ended outside the BiH borders, and relatively biggest portion of them have not returned to their pre-war homes to this day. This is also evidenced by the fact that BiH is near the top of the global list of countries with the biggest diasporas compared to their population. Conclusion of the war meant relief for common people, as well as hope that they could once again live like they used to – neighbour with neighbour, helping each other and living together through good times and the bad, and celebrating together both religious and state holidays. And one must admit that the initial ten years indeed promised that this could be so. However, such prospects were not facilitated by the domestic authorities, but through the practice of the global centres of power embodied in the OHR and high commissioners. Yet, the very moment that these centres of power had shifted their attention from BiH to other global points of conflict, ethnonationalists saw their opportunity to once again draw out their swords and revert to the politics of unfulfilled war goals. This is the politics which has marked the last fifteen-odd years, pushing BiH ever harder towards new civilizational and historical challenges. Unfortunately, such tendencies are stimulated, more and more openly, from without BiH, by those responsible for the wastelands and abattoirs of 30 years ago, but also by actors in the global geopolitical games who see BiH as a location of their geopolitical interest. By force of circumstances, and especially the events in Ukraine, Washington and Brussels have been warned that they would need to revert their engagement in BiH to the level comparable to the years immediately after the war. And the signals sent from these addresses, especially in the last year, suggest that this kind of a shift could indeed happen – that it is actually already happening today. The majority of the paper is dedicated to all these post-war shifts, including those that we have been witnessing in the last couple of years.
Severna Makedonija, zemlja velikog društvenog diverziteta, kontraverzi i izazova
Severna Makedonija, zemlja velikog društvenog diverziteta, kontraverzi i izazova
(North Macedonia a Country of Big Social Diversity, Controversies and Challenges)
- Author(s):Rubin Zemon
- Language:Serbian
- Subject(s):Politics, Sociology, Transformation Period (1990 - 2010), Post-Communist Transformation, Politics and Identity, Identity of Collectives
- Page Range:212-225
- No. of Pages:14
- Keywords:Macedonia; Macedonians; identity; divided society; “One society“; antiquation
- Summary/Abstract:In the processes of bloody dissolution of Yugoslavia, Macedonian society was described as a “peace oasis“ since it successfully avoided the war conflicts in the 1990s, though some inter-ethnical tensions were present “in the air“, as well as some physical clashes between the ethnic Macedonians and ethnic Albanians. After the collapse of Tito’s Yugoslavia, the Socialist Republic of Macedonia entered into the process of building a new social order, which brought new moments in the relations between the individual and the society, but also in the relations between the groups and the society. The newly formed political pluralism and multi-party system did not reflect the social division, or channelize the different socio-cultural and economic interests of the citizens. Ethnic affiliation and ethnic polarization strengthened significantly, especially through the establishment of political parties based mainly on ethnic identity. Thus, in Macedonian politics, the ethnicisation of the political system was widely promoted An issue of higher education in the Albanian language was the biggest inter-ethnic dispute in the 1990s! The Kosovo issue and the war in 1999 exerted inertia in which resulted in the civil conflict in Macedonia in 2001 that was concluded with the so-called Ohrid Framework Agreement and transformation of the Republic of Macedonia from a national to hybrid state and society. Ethnic Macedonians want to build nation-state, ethnic Albanians are implementing bi-national politics and the other smaller communities are dreaming of multicultural society. The Ohrid Framework Agreement brought to practicing of the so-called Power Sharing policies and adequate and just participation in state institution and the society. With the proclamation of the independence, the so-called name dispute surfaced, concerning the name of Macedonia. The name was not disputed only by Greece, but the ethnic identity, language and history of Macedonians also resonated with Bulgaria, while the Serbian Orthodox church objected to the autocephaly of the Macedonian Orthodox Church. On the other hand, the debate concerning the conflict between the Ancient Macedonian and Slavic Macedonian identities, or continuity between these two identity constructions was very much present in the public discourse. The culmination was achieved with the project titled “Skopje 2004“ and the so-called “Antiquation“, when a large number of new monuments were erected in the capital of the Republic of Macedonia. Its ethnically diverse and religiously divided society, with the permanent danger of ethno-political and economic instability, is a source of a continuous human mobility and emigration. Looking for better life, citizens of Macedonia found a lot of “alternative ways“ to realize their need for human mobility, or emigration to the Western EU States, including: getting Bulgarian citizenship, seeking asylum, establishing companies in EU-member states etc. Statistical data from the census in 2021 indicate that the total population in the country has degrease by more than 10% in the last decades.
Postsocijalistička Srbija između retradicionalizacije i refleksivne modernizacije
Postsocijalistička Srbija između retradicionalizacije i refleksivne modernizacije
(Post-socialist Serbia between Retraditionalisation and Reflexive Modernization)
- Author(s):Suzana Ignjatović
- Language:Serbian
- Subject(s):National Economy, Transformation Period (1990 - 2010), Post-Communist Transformation
- Page Range:226-237
- No. of Pages:12
- Keywords:retraditionalisation; detraditionalisation; reflexive modernization; post-socialist transition; Serbia
- Summary/Abstract:The retraditionalisation thesis has been used to explain the transformation of post-socialist societies, notably in family life and gender relations. Retraditionalisation is understood as a return of the pre-modern, traditional norms and values. It has been widely claimed that retraditionalisation had a negative impact on the legacy of the socialist modernisation in Serbia. The paper proposes an approach that rejects the monolithic concepts of modernisation and retraditionalisation, analysing changes in family life and gender norms. First, the thesis on re-traditionalisation in the relevant domains was re-examined, indicating that the traditional patterns have rather survived through socialism, than their revival in post-socialism. There are socialist traditions that have persisted as the legacy of the socialist modernisation and shaped the dominant cultural patterns in post-socialism. Second, retraditionalisation was refined by distinguishing regulative and meaningful traditions to indicate different types of retraditionalisation in the identified cases. Finally, we identified reflexive modernisation in the society of Serbia, even though it has undergone a negative transformational path and falls short of the criteria to be considered a society of “second modernity”.
Romi i Egipćani u Crnoj Gori: Izvan društveno-ekonomske i političke arene
Romi i Egipćani u Crnoj Gori: Izvan društveno-ekonomske i političke arene
(Roma and Egyptians in Montenegro: Outside the Socio-Economic and Political Arena)
- Author(s):Danijela Vuković-Ćalasan
- Language:Serbian
- Subject(s):Politics, Sociology, Inter-Ethnic Relations, Ethnic Minorities Studies
- Page Range:239-250
- No. of Pages:13
- Keywords:Identity; ethnocultural communities; Roma; Egyptians; Montenegro
- Summary/Abstract:The relationship to the different other in the ethnocultural sense can range from absolute acceptance to complete rejection and emphasis on differences to the point of exclusivity, which leaves little or no space for similitude. Ethno-culturally plural societies that are dominated by the ideology of ethno-nationalism, as is the case with Montenegro and other Balkan societies are very complex environments for successful socio-economic and political inclusion of all ethno-cultural communities on an equal basis. A high degree of politicisation and instrumentalisation of ethno-cultural identities, unconsolidated democracy, authoritarian political culture, and a high degree of division in various dimensions make it difficult to successfully manage ethno-cultural pluralism. The above particularly concerns the attitude towards Roma and Egyptians, who to this day find themselves on the outside of the socio-economic and political arena.
Vrednosti i promene političkog i društvenog poretka
Vrednosti i promene političkog i društvenog poretka
(Values and Changes of the Political and Social Order)
- Author(s):Čedomir Čupić
- Language:Serbian
- Subject(s):Politics / Political Sciences, Social Sciences
- Page Range:254-279
- No. of Pages:26
- Keywords:value; change; order; culture; education; morality
- Summary/Abstract:The paper problematizes the relationship between values and changes in the political and social order in Serbia over the past 30 years. Its subject is the significance of changes for human life and the significance of historical changes that improved or obliterated political and social orders. A special focus is placed on the planetary changes caused by the 1968 student and youth rebellion in the West and East, as well as in Yugoslavia and Serbia. What did the post-1968 cultural and educational changes in Serbia bring? The role of the media in the destruction of culture and values. Phases of the collapse of educational system in Yugoslavia and Serbia. The consequences of introducing the Bologna Declaration on the higher education in Serbia. The crisis of value system in Serbia. The influence of pragmatism on values and value system. The collapse of moral values, professionalism, and integrity of individuals and institutions in Serbia. The value vacuum in Serbia and the collapse of humanity. The role of media propaganda and cheap entertainment in the collapse of moral values and moral behaviour during the past three decades in Serbia. Exits and possible directions for the recovery and development of the value system in Serbia.
Promjene u vrijednosnim orijentacijama u Hrvatskoj
Promjene u vrijednosnim orijentacijama u Hrvatskoj
(Changes in Value Orientations in Croatia)
- Author(s):Lino Veljak
- Language:Croatian
- Subject(s):Anthropology, Political behavior, Transformation Period (1990 - 2010), Post-Communist Transformation
- Page Range:280-287
- No. of Pages:8
- Keywords:Croatia; values; authoritarianism; ethnocentrism; individualism
- Summary/Abstract:Based on the analysis of relevant research carried out in the fields of sociology, social psychology and political science and a comparison of the findings of earlier research with the findings of recent research, it can be concluded that – despite socialist modernization (initiated in 1945) and political liberalization that occurred at the end of the 1980s – the value orientations in the Croatian society were also determined by the inherited dominant patriarchal, authoritarian, ethnocentric and traditionalist outlook during the years of the breakup of Yugoslavia (which, in all likelihood, did not differ from the situation in other Yugoslav republics). Newer research confirms that the value orientations are still marked by a pre-modern social and value structure, but the primacy of collective traditionalist values (based on patriarchalism, authoritarianism and ethnocentrism, and additionally stimulated by processes of retraditionalisation) is complemented by the acceptance of liberalism in the economic sphere, as well as certain strengthening of elements of individualistic values of the developed Western countries; however, to a significant extent, individualism manifests itself in the form of radical (individual or family-tribal) egocentrism.
Društveni konflikt između države i društava
Društveni konflikt između države i društava
(Social Conflict between State and Societies)
- Author(s):Petar Atanasov
- Language:Serbian
- Subject(s):Anthropology, Politics and society, Transformation Period (1990 - 2010), Post-Communist Transformation, Politics and Identity
- Page Range:288-300
- No. of Pages:13
- Keywords:Bosnian society; Macedonian society; ethnic democracy; politicization of ethnicity; social integration
- Summary/Abstract:In this text, the main subject of the analysis is the social conflict between the state and societies. In the cases of Bosnian and Macedonian society, the relation between different ethnic communities and the state is elaborated. Starting with ethnic conflicts, through peace agreements and the politicization of ethnicity, the internal integration in Bosnia and Herzegovina and North Macedonia differ due to different models of the states. Bosnia is dominated by the Dayton model of ethnic divisions of the three peoples, while in Macedonia the model is defined by the Ohrid Agreement and the enlarged rights of non-majority communities (mainly Albanians). It is argued that Bosnia and Macedonia are long-term unstable societies, due to social (ethnic) factors. In Bosnia and Herzegovina there is an open political conflict between the three constitutional peoples. In North Macedonia, there is a latent social (ethnic) conflict that in the short-term has no potential to provoke a new conflict. One of the essential factors are the political elites in Bosnia who openly want a “final“ solution of the problems between ethnic communities. Such political leaders in Macedonia are few and this gives some stability to the Macedonian model of social integration.
Pravo na apatiju?
Pravo na apatiju?
(The right to apathy?)
- Author(s):Renata Salecel
- Language:Serbian
- Subject(s):Political Theory, Political behavior, Political psychology, Politics and communication, Politics and society, Politics and Identity
- Page Range:302-313
- No. of Pages:12
- Keywords:authoritarianism; neoliberal ideology; neoliberalism;
- Summary/Abstract:Apathy is not only a reaction to authoritarianism, but also largely connected to the modus vivendi of the neoliberal ideology. It is therefore not very surprising that we hear more and more about burn-out and empathy fatigue. The text presents the many shades of apathy that we may notice in neoliberalism. Particularly pronounced are the forms of apathy that we encounter in post-socialism. The text also deals with the problems of transition. The concluding remarks provide a review of the idea of “the right to apathy“, that certain American political theorists were receptive to in the mid-20th Century, which receives some new interpretations in our neoliberal times
Društvo Bosne i Hercegovine u vrednosnom ogledalu
Društvo Bosne i Hercegovine u vrednosnom ogledalu
(The Society of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Mirror of Values)
- Author(s):Zlatiborka Popov Momčinović
- Language:Serbian
- Subject(s):Anthropology, Politics and society, Sociology of Politics, Politics and Identity
- Page Range:314-326
- No. of Pages:13
- Keywords:Bosnia and Herzegovina; values; politics; religion; gender equality
- Summary/Abstract:The paper analyses values in Bosnia and Herzegovina in their dynamic relationship with the main social problems and characteristics of the political system. First, it highlights the broader context of the post-war Bosnian and Herzegovinian society and points to the key features of the political system that extend collectivist value orientations, especially ethnic ones. Furthermore, using three areas (religion, politics, and gender equality) as key arenas for looking at traditional and (post)modern values, the paper shows how the old and the new intersect in the value mirror of the population in Bosnia and Herzegovina, while it also identifies the role of the key actors in these processes.
Vrednosne orijentacije u postsocijalističkoj Srbiji – zakasnela modernizacija?
Vrednosne orijentacije u postsocijalističkoj Srbiji – zakasnela modernizacija?
(Value Orientations in Post-socialist Serbia – Late Modernization?)
- Author(s):Milica S. Joković Pantelić, Vladimir S. Mentus
- Language:Serbian
- Subject(s):Politics and society, Transformation Period (1990 - 2010), Post-Communist Transformation
- Page Range:328-341
- No. of Pages:14
- Keywords:value orientations; post-socialist change; modernization; Serbia
- Summary/Abstract:This paper analyses the value orientations in post-socialist Serbia. Relying on the value theories by Inglehart and Schwartz, first the dominant value orientations among the Serbian population were analysed, followed by the value trends in the period of post-socialist change and, finally, the prevalence of values in Serbia as compared to other European countries. Both theoretical frameworks enable the analysis of the range of modernization processes in the society, in the light of dominant value orientations, based on the presence of (post)materialist values, i.e., values of openness to change. The analysis uses quantitative and qualitative methods. The results of the quantitative (European Values Study, World Values Survey and European Social Survey) and qualitative (in-depth interviews with politicians, entrepreneurs, professors, journalists and actors from the non-governmental sector in Serbia) methods indicate a relative absence of post-materialist values and values of openness to change, as well as a rather slight increase, close to stagnation, of the post-materialist values in Serbia during its post-socialist change. The findings point to the late modernization process in the contemporary Serbian society that affects the type of cultural change.
