Milovan Đilas, Yugoslav communist, politician, theorist and author (b. 1911)

Milovan Djilas (Serbian: Милован Ђилас, romanized: Milovan Đilas, born June 12, 1911, and passing away on April 30, 1995) was a figure of immense significance in 20th-century Yugoslav and European political thought. He embarked on his journey as a devoted communist politician, a keen theorist, and a prolific author, ultimately transforming into one of the most vociferous and internationally recognized dissidents against the very system he once helped to build. His life arc offers a compelling narrative of ideological evolution, from revolutionary zeal to profound critical introspection.

During World War II, Djilas emerged as a pivotal leader within the Partisan movement, the formidable communist-led resistance against the Axis occupation of Yugoslavia. Working closely alongside Josip Broz Tito, he played a crucial role in orchestrating military strategies and political organization, which not only contributed significantly to the Allied victory in the region but also laid the groundwork for the socialist Yugoslav state. Following the war, his contributions were recognized with high-ranking positions in the fledgling communist government, including membership in the Politburo and serving as a Vice President of Yugoslavia. It was in these influential circles that Djilas, initially a staunch proponent of the new order, began to observe what he perceived as fundamental flaws and contradictions within the communist apparatus.

The Path to Dissent and The New Class

Despite his integral role in the communist establishment, Milovan Djilas's intellectual honesty led him down a path of increasing disillusionment. Initially identifying as a democratic socialist, he felt compelled to critique communism from within, aiming to refine and improve the system he believed in. However, his observations of the emerging power structures within socialist states led him to develop his most famous and controversial theory: the concept of "The New Class." This theory, articulated in his seminal 1957 work, argued that despite the communist rhetoric of a classless society, a new elite—comprising party bureaucrats and state officials—had effectively seized control of the means of production and distribution, thereby establishing a new form of exploitation. This "New Class," he contended, enjoyed privileges and power comparable to or even exceeding those of the old capitalist bourgeoisie, creating a system that contradicted the very ideals of equality it espoused. Such an outspoken critique from one of the architects of the Yugoslav state was deemed an intolerable act of betrayal. Djilas was stripped of his official positions, expelled from the Communist Party, and subsequently imprisoned multiple times for his writings and dissenting views, marking his transition from a party insider to a globally recognized voice of opposition throughout Yugoslavia and indeed, across Eastern Europe.

Evolving Perspectives and Lasting Legacy

For several decades, Djilas continued his intellectual battle, refining his critiques from the perspective of someone earnestly trying to steer communism towards its promised ideals. His writings, often smuggled out of Yugoslavia and published abroad, provided invaluable insights into the inner workings and inherent paradoxes of one-party states. As the geopolitical landscape shifted dramatically with the revolutions of 1989 and the eventual violent breakup of Yugoslavia, Djilas's perspective underwent a final, profound evolution. He moved from attempting to reform communism to adopting a more explicitly anti-communist stance, reflecting the deep disillusionment of someone whose youthful dreams of a just society had been shattered by the realities of authoritarian rule and the tragic conflicts that engulfed his homeland. His later works often reflected this sorrow, grappling with the legacy of communist rule and the human cost of its failures. Milovan Djilas's legacy endures not only as a profound political theorist who dared to challenge power from within but also as a symbol of intellectual courage and moral integrity in the face of ideological rigidity. His life story remains a powerful testament to the complexities of political change and the enduring human quest for freedom and justice.

Frequently Asked Questions about Milovan Djilas

Who was Milovan Djilas?

Milovan Djilas (1911–1995) was a prominent Yugoslav communist politician, theorist, and author who transitioned from a high-ranking official in Tito's government to one of Eastern Europe's most renowned dissidents. He is best known for his critical analyses of communism, particularly his theory of "The New Class."

What was Djilas's role during World War II?

During World War II, Djilas was a key leader in the Yugoslav Partisan movement, the communist-led resistance against the Axis powers. He was a close associate of Josip Broz Tito and played a vital role in both military operations and political organization that led to the establishment of post-war Yugoslavia.

Why did Djilas become a dissident?

Djilas became a dissident due to his growing disillusionment with the communist system he helped create. He observed what he considered the emergence of a privileged "New Class" of party bureaucrats, which he believed betrayed the socialist ideals of equality. His outspoken criticisms led to his imprisonment and international recognition as a leading voice against authoritarianism.

What is "The New Class" theory?

"The New Class" is a theory developed by Milovan Djilas, most notably in his 1957 book. It posits that in communist states, a new elite of party officials and state administrators effectively takes control of society's resources and power, establishing a new form of class-based exploitation, contrary to the Marxist ideal of a classless society.

How did Djilas's views on communism evolve?

Initially, Djilas critiqued communism from within, seeking to improve it towards a more democratic socialist model. After the collapse of communist regimes in 1989 and the violent breakup of Yugoslavia, his views evolved into a more explicit anti-communist stance, reflecting profound disillusionment with the system's failures and the tragic outcomes of its legacy.