Enelarged Serbia: A contribution to consideration of alternative statehood outcome in 1918

Abstract

The paper aims to explore alternative statehood options for Yugoslavia's unification in 1918 and assess their potential success for Serbian interests. It falls within the realm of counterfactual analysis. The study draws on the economic theory of optimal nation size, which examines the pros and cons of larger nations, particularly the challenges posed by cultural diversity resulting from ethnolinguistic and religious differences. Five statehood alternatives have been identified, involving various degrees of Serbia's territorial expansion. Empirical evidence from the 1921 population census demonstrates that options leading to larger nation size would increase population heterogeneity. The research identifies an optimal solution that balances benefits and costs.

Keywords

• serbia
• yugoslavia
• optimal size of nation
• counterfactual analysis
• cultural heterogeneity