Capitalist Restoration and Social Crisis in Yugoslavia

In: Telos, Band 36, S. 81-110

Abstract

Self-management in Yugoslavia has practically led to bankruptcy; most decision-making rights are made by councils rather than the workers as a whole. Technical & office workers dominate these councils; thus, 'workers' democracy' has reconstituted capitalism's unequalizing tendencies within itself. Global interests are subordinated to attainment of profits in every enterprise. The only difference from capitalism is that wealth is gained not by inheritance but by taking a privileged place in a firm. Unemployment is very high, as in Southern Italy and other underdeveloped capitalist societies. Inflation is also high, & a trade deficit has emerged. Integration into the world market has offered a place for multinational corporations in the Yugoslav economy, further denying popular control to workers. Regional differences & social tensions have continued & grown. These considerations indicate that the 1965 reforms have not failed through misapplication, but due to their very nature. W. H. Stoddard.