«Unlike for example electricity, history does not have a switch button, and thus one cannot just simply turn the darkness of one historical period into a light of another, or vice versa. Even after major historical events – wars, state disintegration, revolution or regime collapse – major characteristics of pre-Event system continue well into a new, post-Event era. This book analyses continuities and discontinuities between the Cold War Yugoslavia and post-Yugoslav states, in economic, social, political and ideational spheres. Even 30 years after its collapsing, Yugoslavia still lives in collective memory, institutional practice and identity-designing of its many successor-states. And - as some of the authors of this collection argue - the change, where it happened, was not always for better. Remembering the old and trying to preserve as much as one can in new circumstances is thus not always irrational.»

Dejan Jovic, Professor of International Relations, University of Zagreb, Croatia

«Yugoslavia´s legacy is crucial for an understanding of the Western Balkans in the 21st. century. Bringing together a variety of disciplines and analytical perspectives this volume sheds new light on continuities and discontinuities of practices, institutions, and experiences of the successor states until the present day. It is highly recommended to all those interested in the history and recent past of this fascinating region.»

Marie-Janine Calic, Professor of East and Southeast European History, University of Munich, Germany

«This volume wonderfully captures how, almost thirty years after its violent dissolution, the legacy of Yugoslavia continues to be felt in the post-Yugoslav region in multiple and complex ways. It highlights the many continuities between the structures and policies of the defunct socialist federation and its successor states, despite claims by nationalist elites about breaking with the past in the creation of new political and economic entities and systems. It also shows how Yugoslavia remains a reference point for both elites and societies in the region-providing a useable past in foreign policy and contests around borders, as well as a source of nostalgia when the present is defined by the inequities and hardships of a flawed political and economic transition.»

Jasna Dragovic Soso, Professor of International Politics and History, Goldsmiths, University of Lond

«As the successor states enter their fourth decade, it is tempting to dismiss the legacies of the four decades of a single Yugoslavia that preceded them. This welcome volume addresses the continuing connections of the one with the many, from the strengths and weakness of the former Yugoslavia to its continuities and discontinuities in the seven successor states. Drawn from a recent Oxford conference, its editors have assembled nine instructive chapters primarily from regional scholars. They cover a range of relevant subjects that would daunt any single author. The political chapters examine continuing ambiguities in the role of liberal ideology, civil society and a once common popular culture. Chapters on international affairs consider the legacies of non-alignment, territorial disputes and relations with Russia and Turkey. The final chapters move from two critical appraisals of the Yugoslav economic model that debate its recent relevance to the EU's market model and to a third surveying the struggles over its adoption in business practice and public opinion.»

John R. Lampe, Professor Emeritus, Department of History, University of Maryland, USA