БОРБА ЗА КОНТРОЛУ КАПИТАЛА У ЈУГОСЛОВЕНСКОЈ СПОЉНОЈ ТРГОВИНИ: ПОКУШАЈ ОБУЗДАВАЊА МОЋИ СПОЉНОТРГОВИНСКИХ ПРЕДУЗЕЋА У СФРЈ СРЕДИНОМ 1960-ИХ
THE STRUGGLE FOR CAPITAL CONTROL IN YUGOSLAV FOREIGN COMMERCE DURING THE MID-1960S: ENDEAVORS TO RESTRICT THE INVOLVEMENT OF FOREIGN TRADE ENTERPRISES IN THE SOCIALIST FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF YUGOSLAVIA

Author(s): Milan Piljak
Subject(s): History, Economy, National Economy, Economic history, Post-War period (1950 - 1989), History of Communism
Published by: Institut za noviju istoriju Srbije
Keywords: foreign trade companies; capital; Nikola Đuverović; Genex; Progress; "Economic Policy"
Summary/Abstract: Yugoslavia underwent a turbulent modernization process characterized by fluctuations and complexities. The initial two decades of its existence are often considered a peak or golden era, witnessing significant prosperity and development. However, the subsequent two decades marked a period of substantial growth and advancement, portraying a considerable increase in wealth and development. The perpetual conflicts between the communist elite and power centers persisted, albeit with less frequent documentation. Knowledge of these conflicts often surfaced when they escalated to a magnitude that precluded ignorance, leading to resolution within party forums. This resolution typically resulted in one side being politically dismantled, divested of functions, and deprived of influence within the prevailing system. We are observing a considerably diminished equilibrium of forces in this context, notably less pronounced compared to instances such as the reshuffiing of high-ranking officials within the ilas, Ranković, and republican leaderships at the onset of the 1970s. Furthermore, the contention revolved around the dynamics between members of the economic elite distinguished by their party and state status, vis-à-vis members of the economic elite who concurrently held positions, managed prosperous enterprises, and possessed access to substantial capital. In the article, our endeavor was to evaluate the power dynamics within a state entity at the ministerial level concerning influential stakeholders engaged in international trade management as significant buyers. Perhaps it is a golden age, despite the turmoil in the economy, society, and politics; everything in such a rigorous system that is well-founded and understandable to the general professional public is a result of the issues posed. Upon reviewing the legislation, the editorial team of Ekonomska politika convened a localized economic forum within their editorial office. This forum provided a platform for individuals from various sectors of the real economy to articulate their concerns regarding the proposed legal act, with some expressing skepticism about the anticipated improvements while others perceived the potential for freedom as an opportunity to foster more dynamic economies, unencumbered by excessive bureaucratic administration. Once more, despite the editors of the weekly publication condensing the discussions, a more comprehensive narrative, especially from the round table, remains elusive to us. Even if Miki Savićević’s evaluation regarding personal animosities holds validity, it seems implausible that Nikola Džuverović could have endeavored to impede the assumption of control over the infrastructure of the enterprise group, responsible for approximately 80% of the nation’s export and import revenue, encompassing a population of 18,549,133 people, without any form of support or backing. We can only speculate that certain corporations within the real sector perceived Džuverović’s actions as an opportunity to fortify their standing during negotiations with international trade entities. From a geographical standpoint, we suggested the possibility of Džuverović garnering support from the republics, considering the concentration of foreign trade strength in Belgrade. This circumstance might offer an explanation for the selection of a notably conservative individual as the primary figure in international commerce. Regrettably, the conclusive aftermath of the conflict remains unresolved. It is unsurprising that a minority group played a decisive role in the majority of decisions. Details regarding Džuverović’s subsequent career trajectory are sparse; notably, he did not occupy any prominent positions. Subsequently, he served as a member of the SSRNJ Federal Conference Presidency. However, the foreign trade enterprises continued to maintain their wealth and influence, persisting until the collapse of the state.

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