Abstract: The paper addresses the phenomenon of relativization, denial, and marginalization of significant historical facts from the period of socialist Yugoslavia in order to defend the stereotypical image of that era that exists today. Using Zoran Janjetović’s text from the first issue of the journal Tokovi istorije in 2023 as an example, the paper examines the mechanisms used in domestic historiography to ensure that historical facts do not threaten the traditional narrative about the history of federal Yugoslavia, which was formed during the League of Communists’ one-party dictatorship.

Keywords: historiography, methodology, Titoism, Yugoslavia, Zoran Janjetović

Summary

The paper highlights the issue of an emotional and “romantic” attitude to the past in contemporary Serbian historiography, which is represented in the unscientific interpretation of key historical facts from the League of Communists of Yugoslavia’s rule. The study identifies the mechanisms used in domestic historiography to ensure that historical facts do not threaten the traditional narrative of federal Yugoslavia’s history. Every time historical evidence shows Josip Broz and his group were biased in their approach to resolving national problems, Zoran Janjetović expresses his disapproval and provides an explanation. However, his explanations are generally not grounded in historical sources, nor are they sustainable by applying relevant scientific methods.