The scholarly program, “The Modernization and Identity of Croatia during the Twentieth Century,” is based on an analysis of Croatian society from 1918 to 1998. Analysis of the most important aspects of this period will be based on new sources and the most recent methods. The Program deals with several periods and topics. The first period covers events and development Croatia during the inter war period (1918-1941). The analysis will focus on political terror, civic associations, the development of major cities/towns, and the role of Croatian liberal intellectuals.The second period covers the years of the Second World War in Croatia (1941-1945). The analysis will focus primarily on the Independent State of Croatia (Nezavisna Država Hrvatska, or NDH), and will include the political and cultural practices of the Ustasha Movement, the cultural institutions, the manifestations of the fascist ideology in a Croatian context, and political terror. The ethnic/national and religious position of Muslims/Bosniaks will be among the topics which should prove especially interesting for research.The years from 1945 to 1951 comprise the third period which will be studied.The focus of the research will be on the impact of the ravages of war on social and demographic development, and the political changes caused by the Communist takeover of power. Research into this period is intended to present new insights regarding issues like the persecution of civilians, forced and voluntary migrations, and the activities of the Land Commission for the Investigation of War Crimes.The history of Communism in Croatia from 1945 to 1974 is the fourth topic which will be researched. Research and analysis will focus on the structure of Communist authorities, and how Communist values became part of social relations in Croatia. The analysis will include relations between Communist and anti-fascist political cultures, the international position of Croatia, the activities of the intelligence services, industrialization, the development of a public health system, the activities of prominent Croatian politicians and political emigration.The final period to be researched will cover the years from 1991 to 2000. Emphasis will be on military and political events in Croatia during the Homeland War (1991-1995).. Issues like the multi-party system, war crimes, the victims,the problem of refugee, and the role of the Serbian Republic of Krajina will be researched.
Projects within this program:
- Indenpendent State of Croatia 1941-1945. Sociocultural and Communicative aspects
- Status and development of Croatia 1918.-1941.
- Authority and Society: Communist Regime in Croatia 1945-1990
- Population Losses in Croatia in the second World war and post-war period
- Republic of Croatia and War for Independence (1991-1995-2000)
