In this work, the authors raise several questions and dilemmas related to the process of the independence of the Republic of Macedonia. Thus, it necessarily begins with the structural reform of the former Yugoslav federation, created by the intense changes caused by liberalism and nationalist currents in the 1970s. This results in constitutional changes and substantial decentralization of the federation, with the constitution of 1074 becoming the owners of their own sovereignty as federal entities. This fact precisely, in the formal legal sense, will be crucial for the successful independence of the Republic of Macedonia. However, the process is influenced by various factors, from geopolitical global shifts to regional and local conflicts, and the onset of the violent disintegration of SFR Yugoslavia. Furthermore, this book deals with specific issues related to the controversy over the referendum, the status and threat of the Yugoslav People's Army presence, foreign policy relations and issues related to international recognition, the blockade by the Republic of Greece and the beginning of the name dispute, and also the dilemmas related to the accession of the Republic of Macedonia to the UN.
The process of creating the independent Republic of Macedonia is parallel to all of the global processes of disintegration of the former East European one-party systems, including the former SFR Yugoslavia and the promotion of political pluralism and democracy as basic constituents of the modern societies. The Macedonian independence was established with the referendum of September 8, 1991. After this, the period of internal consolidation and the diplomatic fight for international recognition followed. The diplomatic initiatives, as well as overall relations with the EC and the USА, resulted with the membership of Republic of Macedonia (under the temporary reference of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia) in United Nations.
In the period that followed, as a result of the wider international intervention in former Yugoslavia and the blockade from Greece, Macedonia was in a very difficult and complex situation. Due to the so-called Name Issue, Greece imposed onside trade embargo and blockade for further integration in other international organizations and initiatives. The status quo situation was changed with Interim accord, after which the period of stabilization and establishing of relation with USA and most of EU countries followed.
Table of Contents
1. Chapter 1
THE DISINTEGRATION OF SFRY
1.1 The 1974 Constitution and the Transformation of the SFRY
1.2.Tito’s Death and Internal Turmoil
1.3. Beginning of End
1.3.1. Crisis in Yugoslavia within 1990 – 1991 and the Disintegration of the Federal Bodies and Organs
1.4. Reasons for Disintegration
1.4.1. Conspiracy Theories
2. Chapter 2
INDEPENDENCE OF THE REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA
2.1. The Process of Independence
2.1.1. The Creation of Independent Republic of Macedonia
2.1.2. The Formation of Political Parties and the First Multi-party Elections
2.1.3. The Declaration of Sovereignty and the Referendum Decision
2.2. Security Issues and Dealing with the Danger of Possible Spillover of the Yugoslav Crises in Macedonia
2.2.1. Referendum on Independence and Possible Destabilizing Factors
2.2.2. Adoption of the Constitution on November 17, 1991
2.3. The Process of Securing Complete Independence and Sovereignty: Withdrawal of YNA from Macedonia
2.3.1. Internal Relations in the Republic of Macedonia 1991-1993
2.3.2. External Destabilizing Factors for Macedonia's Security
2.3.3. Overcoming Security Issues
2.3.4. Internal Relations in the Republic of Macedonia 1993-1995
3. CHAPTER 3
INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION OF THE REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA
3.1. Recognition of Macedonia and Admission to the UN
3.1.1. International Recognition of the Republic of Macedonia
3.1.2. Foreign Policy and Diplomacy 1991-1993
3.1.3 Membership of the Republic of Macedonia in the UN
3.2. The Dispute with Greece over their Name and Embargo
3.3. Foreign Policy and Diplomacy 1993-1995
3.4. Achieving the 1995 Interim Agreement
4. CHAPTER 4
EU-US RELATIONSHIP WITH THE FRAMEWORK OF YUGOSLAVIA AND THEIR POLICIES TO MACEDONIA
4.1. EU and US Foreign Policy towards Processes in the Country
4.1.1. EU Foreign Policy towards the Breakup of Yugoslavia
4.1.2. US Foreign Policy towards the Process of Yugoslavia's Disintegration
4.1.3. Concluding Remarks on EU and US Foreign Policy towards the Process of Yugoslavia’s Disintegration
4.2. US and EU Policy towards Macedonia at the Time of the Yugoslav Crisis
4.2.1. EU Policy towards Macedonia during the Yugoslav Crisis
4.2.2. US Policy towards Macedonia during the Yugoslavia Crisis
4.2.3. Concluding Remarks on the Relationship between the EU and US Foreign Policy towards Macedonia during the Yugoslav Crisis
Objectives and Themes
This book provides a comprehensive analysis of the historical, legal, and political events that led to the independence of the Republic of Macedonia between the late 1980s and 1995. The central focus is the transition from the former Yugoslav federation to a sovereign state, examining the internal political development and the complex international diplomatic challenges faced during this process.
- The disintegration of the SFR Yugoslavia and its impact on Macedonian statehood.
- The internal political processes, including the referendum, constitution-building, and parliamentary transitions.
- The struggle for international recognition, the name dispute with Greece, and UN admission.
- The geopolitical role of major powers (EU and US) regarding the regional crisis and Macedonia.
Excerpt from the Book
2.1. The Process of Independence
The proclamation of the independence was one of the most important moments in the recent Macedonian history. We must note, however, that the process of Macedonia's independence appeared much more in response to the inevitable disintegration of Yugoslavia compared to an autonomous and individual process. Although the Republic of Macedonia, as one of the six constituent Yugoslav republics, was neither a driver nor a supporter of the process of disintegration of SFRY, it nevertheless chose to have its future as an independent republic at a given historical moment.
The term 'independence' itself suggests the absence of dependence, i.e., 'exclusion from reliance or control by others, self-sustainability, arranging one's own affairs without the influence of others' (Brainy Quote, 2010). Alternatively, it also means freedom from control or influence over another, or from others (Princeton, 2010). Such a broad understanding of the term "independence" set in a concrete significance that the independence of a state means that a given state can act in its internal affairs and form its foreign policy in a free and voluntary manner, that is to say, without control or foreign influence from another state. The perceived independence has lost much of its importance in today's world of globalization. This is especially true for the countries of the European continent that are members or aspiring to become EU members. Membership of the Union means delegating part of its sovereign rights from the state to the Union, and thus giving up part of its independence. In the globalization world in general, it is illusory to claim that any state is completely independent and without foreign influence, especially in the field of foreign policy-making. However, this does not diminish the significance of the moment of gaining independence of the Republic of Macedonia. Independence meant the realization of a centuries-old dream of the Macedonian people. The creation of an independent republic was the only opportunity and way for equal participation of the Republic of Macedonia in international relations with other countries. Independence has paved the way for membership in international organizations such as the UN, or organizations such as the OSCE, the EU, etc. Thus, for the first time in its history, the Republic of Macedonia could directly have a significant influence at international level and be one of the participants in international relations.
Summary of Chapters
Chapter 1: THE DISINTEGRATION OF SFRY: Analyzes the constitutional and political factors leading to the collapse of the Yugoslav federation, emphasizing the impact of the 1974 Constitution and the rising internal turmoil after Tito's death.
Chapter 2: INDEPENDENCE OF THE REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA: Examines the internal political path of Macedonia toward statehood, detailing the referendum, the formation of political parties, and the diplomatic efforts to manage security risks.
CHAPTER 3: INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION OF THE REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA: Details the arduous diplomatic journey for international recognition and UN admission, focusing on the name dispute with Greece and the role of international mediators.
CHAPTER 4: EU-US RELATIONSHIP WITH THE FRAMEWORK OF YUGOSLAVIA AND THEIR POLICIES TO MACEDONIA: Evaluates the foreign policy approaches of the EU and the US toward the Yugoslav disintegration and their specific policies toward Macedonia during the crisis.
Keywords
Republic of Macedonia, SFR Yugoslavia, Independence, Referendum, International Recognition, Diplomacy, Foreign Policy, Disintegration, UN, Name Dispute, Greece, European Union, United States, Sovereignty, Political Transition
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this publication?
The book analyzes the historical and political processes surrounding the creation and international recognition of an independent Republic of Macedonia during the turbulent dissolution of the former Yugoslav federation.
What are the central themes discussed in this work?
The text focuses on the constitutional transformation of the SFRY, the internal Macedonian political development (referendum and constitution), the challenges of international recognition, and the shifting foreign policies of the EU and US during the 1990s.
What is the primary research objective?
The research aims to provide a comprehensive retrospective analysis of the legal and political events between 1991 and 1995 that established the Republic of Macedonia as a sovereign international actor.
Which scientific methods are employed?
The authors utilize a systematic historical analysis, drawing on testimonies from direct participants, comparative studies, and an evaluation of official legal and political documents from that era.
What is the focus of the main body of the work?
The main part details the disintegration of Yugoslavia, the step-by-step process of Macedonian independence, the diplomatic efforts to gain recognition amidst the name dispute, and the involvement of global powers.
Which keywords best characterize the work?
The most relevant keywords include independence, Republic of Macedonia, SFRY, international recognition, name dispute, foreign policy, and diplomacy.
How does the 1974 Constitution influence the narrative?
The 1974 Constitution is identified as a critical turning point that catalyzed the decentralization of the Yugoslav federation and provided the formal legal framework for the eventual independence of its constituent republics.
Why was Macedonia's admission to the UN considered controversial?
Macedonia's UN admission was delayed and complicated by Greek opposition regarding the country's constitutional name, eventually forcing the country to join under the provisional reference "The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia."
What role did the US and EU play in the Macedonian context?
The EU and US played major roles in managing the regional crisis; the US, in particular, provided diplomatic support through the UNPROFOR mission to maintain stability on Macedonia's borders, despite initially being cautious about recognizing the country.
- Citation du texte
- Dr. Dejan Marolov (Auteur), Oliver Mitev (Auteur), 2019, The Creation of the Independent Republic of Macedonia. Internal Conditions and External Policy, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/512844
