Abstract: During the epoch characterized by the vigorous pursuit of the New International Economic Order by developing nations, Yugoslavia emerged as a prominent member of both the Non-Aligned Movement and the Group of 77 developing countries (G-77). It sought to exemplify the feasibility of establishing a novel framework for relations between industrially more developed nations, including itself, and its allies within this coalition, characterized by economies in various stages of development. Within influential circles at the United Nations, Yugoslav development theory garnered attention for its perceived integration of Marxist and neoclassical economic concepts, representing an ambitious global reform program that diverged from the perspectives of the capitalist and socialist superpowers. This conceptualization of globalization concurrently grappled with the ideological, geopolitical, and economic ramifications of the emerging neoliberal revolution, which markedly constrained available manoeuvering space starting in the early 1980s. The article critically examines specific instances of Yugoslav bilateral economic collaboration with distinct African nations, offering insights into the practical implications of the envisioned economic order and its practice on the ground.

Keywords: Non-Aligned Movement, G-77, developing countries, Yugoslavia, North-South dialogue, South-South cooperation

Summary

At the peak of developing nations’ efforts to establish the New International Economic Order, Yugoslavia, a prominent member of the Group of77, sought to demonstrate the feasibility of forging a new paradigm in international economic relations. The primary objective was to redefine the dynamics between industrially more advanced countries, including Yugoslavia itself, and their counterparts within the coalition, whose economic foundations were still in the nascent stages of development. Despite Yugoslavia’s unique political and economic trajectory, its leadership role in the Non-Aligned Movement, and its significance in the North-South economic conflict/dialogue, the scholarly examination of its bilateral economic engagements with non-aligned and other developing nations remains notably underexplored within the domain of international studies. Yugoslavia’s involvement in various initiatives spearheaded by Western governments, juxtaposed with its participation in missions aligned with alternative or complementary agendas (as evidenced by its role in the G-77), positioned the country as a consistent moderate intermediary between divergent perspectives. Therefore, an exploration of the dynamics inherent in Yugoslavia’s ambivalent relations offers a nuanced understanding of the strategies and practices influencing the spheres of interest for both industrialized nations and primary producers. Drawing on an extensive array of national and transnational sources that underpin the theoretical framework of its foreign economic policy, this article initiates an investigation into how leading Yugoslav authorities perceived the schism between the Global North and Global South across economic and other domains. Moreover, it delves into the developmental models proposed by Yugoslavia from the early 1950s onward, shedding light on the theoretical underpinnings that guided its foreign economic policies. Beyond theoretical discourse, the article proceeds to outline empirical examples illustrating the practical implementation of measures adopted during everyday bilateral economic cooperation with selected sub-Saharan countries in the 1970s and 1980s. Placing particular emphasis on the unique connection between a socialist, albeit structurally northern economy, and some of Africa’s least developed nations, the article directs attention to key actors, elucidating their political and business motives. Furthermore, it examines the rationales underpinning project expertise, scrutinizes the establishment of labor culture in African locales, and assesses the challenges faced by these novel forms of economic cooperation, particularly against the backdrop of the challenging circumstances prevailing in the 1980s.