"Balkan Idols" by Vjekoslav Perica [11]

CHAPTER SIX: UNITED WE STAND, DIVIDED WE FALL The Civil Religion of Brotherhood and Unity

Tito's death in 1980 triggered a wave of genuine grief and a national sense of loss across Yugoslavia, especially among ethnic and religious minorities.

Yugoslavia' Swan Song, 1980-1984

Official proclamations of continuity and stability of Yugoslavia after Tito's death initially seemed well-founded. The 1984 Winter Olympics in Sarajevo was a crowning achievement for Yugoslavia and a highly successful advertisement for Yugoslavism.

Sporting excellence had always been encouraged by the regime; the Partisans took time to organize "national" teams and enter international competitions even during WW II. Yugoslavia "punched above its weight" in international competitions both team and individual. The ideal of the national team--in all sports--was vigorously promoted by Tito's government.