Yugoslavia without Yugoslavs: The History of a National Idea

The term "Yugoslavia" was first used in 1849, in an article by Slovenija in Ljubljana. The author was not interested in politics but in the literary unification of Yugoslavs within the Austro-Hungary Empire. The book explores the history and idea of a united Yugoslavia in which a true "Yugoslav" identity never really came into being, following a series of wars and uprisings from 1875 onwards.

Format: Hardback
Length: 342 pages
Publication date: 14 July 2023
Publisher: Berghahn Books

The term "Yugoslavia" made its debut in an article published in the Slovenija newspaper in Ljubljana on Friday, October 19, 1849. The author of the article, while not explicitly expressing an interest in politics, emphasized his desire for the literary unification of Yugoslavs within the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The backdrop of ongoing conflicts and diverse forms of nationalism in and around historical Yugoslavia sets the stage for Yugoslavia without Yugoslavs, a book that delves into the history and concept of a united Yugoslavia during which a genuine "Yugoslav" identity never fully emerged.

Following a series of wars and uprisings that began in 1875, the first nation-state of Southern Slavs emerged after World War I. It was known as the "Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes," a competing nationalistic entity that experienced failure, revival, and transformations in the concept of "Yugoslavia."

The book explores the complexities and challenges faced by the region throughout its history, examining the various ideologies, political movements, and cultural influences that shaped the course of Yugoslavia's development. It sheds light on the attempts to establish a unified nation-state and the struggles for identity and sovereignty that characterized the region.

Yugoslavia without Yugoslavs also examines the impact of external factors, such as European imperialism, nationalism, and the Cold War, on the region's political and social landscape. It explores the ways in which these forces influenced the formation of Yugoslavia, the conflicts that erupted within it, and the eventual dissolution of the country.

The book offers a comprehensive and nuanced analysis of the history and idea of a united Yugoslavia, providing valuable insights into the complex and multifaceted nature of the region's past. It serves as a valuable resource for scholars, researchers, and anyone interested in understanding the history and legacy of Yugoslavia.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781805390435