Forging Transnational Belonging through Informal Trade: Thriving Markets in Times of Crisis

This book explores how societies cope when governments no longer assume the responsibility for providing welfare to their citizens. It uses the case study of Novi Pazar, a town in Serbia that became a smuggling hub during the Yugoslav conflict, to analyze the strengthening of existing relations between the émigré community in Turkey and the local Bosniak population in the Sandžak region. It demonstrates the interactive nature of relations between the state and local and émigré communities and will be of interest to scholars and students interested in Southeastern Europe or the Yugoslav Succession Wars of the 1990s.

Format: Hardback
Length: 188 pages
Publication date: 10 March 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book delves into the intricate world of informal trading practices and smuggling, utilizing the captivating case study of Novi Pazar to explore how societies navigate the challenging terrain when governments relinquish their responsibility for providing welfare to their citizens. It sheds light on the complex dynamics that shape individuals' sense of belonging in times of crisis or precarity, particularly in the context of economic transnational practices. By examining the collapse of the Ottoman Empire and the subsequent migration of the Muslim Slav population to Turkey, the book intricately connects these historical events to the Yugoslav Succession Wars of the 1990s. Through the lens of Novi Pazar, a town in Serbia that became a bustling smuggling hub during the Yugoslav conflict, the book offers a unique perspective on the strengthening of existing relations between the émigré community in Turkey and the local Bosniak population in the Sandžak region.

The book demonstrates the intricate interplay between the state, local, and émigré communities, highlighting the dynamic nature of these relationships. It serves as a valuable resource for scholars and students interested in Southeastern Europe, the Yugoslav Succession Wars, and social anthropology, as it provides insights into the complex social dynamics and deviant behaviors that emerge in times of crisis.

In conclusion, this book offers a thought-provoking exploration of informal trading practices and smuggling, shedding light on the ways in which societies cope with government inefficacy and the impact of historical events on social relations. Through the case study of Novi Pazar, it provides a rich and detailed account of the complex interplay between the state, local communities, and émigré populations, offering valuable insights into the dynamics of belonging and deviance in times of crisis.

Weight: 442g
Dimension: 160 x 243 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367900731