The Yugoslav Communists' special relationship with the British Labour Party 1950–1956

Unkovski-Korica, V. (2014) The Yugoslav Communists' special relationship with the British Labour Party 1950–1956. Cold War History, 14(1), pp. 23-46. (doi: 10.1080/14682745.2013.765864)

Abstract

This article uses new evidence to investigate Yugoslav foreign policy through the prism of inter-party relations rather than traditional high diplomacy. It shows the Yugoslav Communists hoped comradeship with Britain's Labour Party would influence Western policies to counter the Soviet threat. Initial successes, especially a deterrent statement by the British Cabinet in February 1951, inspired great optimism. The Labour left was also delighted that Communism could be reformed and Cold War tensions lessened. However, ideological differences crystallised over the Djilas affair and Yugoslavia's choice for Non-Alignment. Only mutual opposition to the USSR during the crises of 1956 ensured their continuing friendship.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Unkovski-Korica, Dr Vladimir
• Authors: Unkovski-Korica, V.
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > School of Social and Political Sciences > Central and East European Studies
• Journal Name: Cold War History
• Publisher: Routledge
• ISSN: 1468-2745
• ISSN (Online): 1743-7962