Czech Journal of International Relations (Dec 2005)
The transformation of the Yugoslav People's Army into the Serbian Army
Abstract
Although there is as yet no coverage of this subject in the articles and books dealing with the fragmentation of former Yugoslavia, the transformation of the Yugoslav People's Army (JNA) into an army protecting Serbian interests is perceived as commonplace. This article examines the causes behind and the course of this issue. The transformation of the JNA was not continuous, but was a consequence of several factors, including back-room politics, the army generals' conservatism towards the political changes in Yugoslavia, the anti-army, anti-Yugoslav and anti-Communist sentiments in Slovenia and Croatia, and the ethnic constitution of the JNA. To examine the behaviour of Yugoslav People Army during the brake-up of the Yugoslav state, the author focuses on both ideological and socio-economic factors and the political evolution in the 1980's and early 1990's.
