Ethnicity and Politics in Socialist Yugoslavia

The multi-ethnic composition of contemporary Yugoslavia grows out of the diverse and complex history of this South Slavic region. Attempting to avoid the interwar Royalist government's policies which exacerbated ethnic differences, the post-World War II socialist leaders established a genuine federation which provided consider able autonomy to the ethnic groups inhabiting the different republics and provinces. Although initially supporting a movement toward "Yugoslavism" and the dissolution of ethnic, religious, and cultural differences, the Yugoslav leaders have more recently emphasized decentralization in political and economic affairs. The guiding principle is that a united community of Yugoslav peoples can best be ensured through governmental respect for ethnic diversity. The political structure, ethnic representation within the government, army, and League of Communists, and the policies of the federal government reflect this guiding principle.