State and Science: Yugoslav Nuclear Program (1948-1965)

Abstract

The aim of this presentation is to briefly describe the development of the Yugoslav nuclear program in the socialist self-management society during the Cold War. Main focus will be placed on the dynamics of the relationship between state and science in Yugoslavia after the 1948 break with the USSR, which was until then perceived as an ideological leader to Yugoslavs. After this fall out, the USA saw Tito, Yugoslav president and Communist Party leader, as an ally and first dissident from the USSR, and thus decided to help Yugoslavia with food and arms. These international changes during the initial stages of the Cold War have reflected on Yugoslav ideology, its economy and state organization, and also contributed to the state's different perceptions of the role of science. The author of this presentation will try to discuss the dynamics of relations between state and scientists (physicists), as well as the importance of these relations for the Yugoslav nuclear program and the development of nuclear physics in Yugoslavia in general. Using a comparative method in order to fully and accurately analyze the relationship between the Yugoslav state and science, the author will contextualize it by exploring the relationship between science and the state in cases of the USA and USSR in this period.