Ask anything Croatian related

[Pribislav]

Felicijo, vake teme smo vidili već iljadu puta!

[Jana]

1. since Croatia, Bosnia, Serbia and Montenegro speak the same language and are only divided by religion, do you think that in time, with religion becoming more and more obsolete/less relevant, will these countries feel like they could re-unite to make Yugoslavia great again?

2. since Croatia will have to apply European Union laws including on immigration, do you think that the Croats that don't want large numbers of Arabs and Africans in the country could seek to approach non-EU Serbia again, as a means to escape European migrant policies? again pointing to the remake of Yugoslavia.

3. are there any Yugoslavia nostalgics among Croats that say it was better back then and regret the breaking of the country? (like there is the communist older generation in ex-communist states)

1. You started with wrong premise. Croatia and Serbia are not divided only by religion, because they were separate people and states even when they were Slavic pagans. Bosniak identity is obviously much younger and religion based. Montenegro is more of a nation build on state (which has long tradition) rather than on leading tribe (like Croats and Serbs), and therefore different story. I do not believe we will unite again mostly because of huge hatred and different culture/interests, but maybe in some distant future it can become reality.

2. Croatia is not against immigration contrary to most post communist countries (current government isn't at least) and follows Paris and Berlin. We did not add any futher immigration restrictions (refusal to take refugees, fences or walls). But we don't feel overly endangered from them as economic opportunities here are limited and extremelly small number of migrants expressed wish to settle in Croatia.

3. Yes, ofcourse there are. Yugo-nostalgics are common among older generations and some rebellious youth, but their numbers are less than in all other ex-Yugoslav republics excluding Kosovo, according to latest survey.

[Pribislav]

1. You started with wrong premise. Croatia and Serbia are not divided only by religion, because they were separate people and states even when they were Slavic pagans. Bosniak identity is obviously much younger and religion based. Montenegro is more of a nation build on state (which has long tradition) rather than on leading tribe (like Croats and Serbs), and therefore different story. I do not believe we will unite again mostly because of huge hatred and different culture/interests, but maybe in some distant future it can become reality.

2. Croatia is not against immigration contrary to most post communist countries (current government isn't at least) and follows Paris and Berlin. We did not add any futher immigration restrictions (refusal to take refugees, fences or walls). But we don't feel overly endangered from them as economic opportunities here are limited and extremelly small number of migrants expressed wish to settle in Croatia.

3. Yes, ofcourse there are. Yugo-nostalgics are common among older generations and some rebellious youth, but their numbers are less than in all other ex-Yugoslav republics excluding Kosovo, according to latest survey.

Is this a joke?

Montenegro as independent state exist 51 years from Adam and Eve (1878-1916 and 2006 - to present day).

[Jana]

Which I think it tells us that the Slavic migrations to the area wasn't insignificant, correct?

Yes. After wars with Romans and various invaders (Goths, Avars..) as well as huge plague epidemics that hit Eastern Roman Empire, native Illyrian (and Celtic in north) population was decimated and Slavs filled the void.

[Ford]

What is the general attitude in Croatia regarding a hypothetical formation of a third entity in Bosnia?

[karakartal]

Do you consider Croats are Balkan nation?

[Pribislav]

...

[Jana]

Do Croats want to annex parts of BiH where croats live? How do you imagine do future of BiH?

I would support that in current state of affairs. I think majority of Croats would not support it however as they respect territorial integrity of BiH and have negative experience with Croatia's involvement during last war in BiH (officialy condemned for agression).

However nationalist part of population which is somewhat significant support annexation of Western Herzegovina which is natural protection for Adriatic coast. Other Croat majority enclaves are not realistic targets.

I imagine future of BiH as unified Bosnian-Herzegovian nation because I see that as only solution for country without war and bloodshed. I would hope due to becoming more advanced in future (hopefully) like in genetics for example, 3 people will realise they are one people and should have common homeland putting religion aside. In that case annexation of any part of Bosnian territory would be no.

It sounds like science fiction though and it surely does not have people's support. They already have formed national identities.

[Jana]

Is this a joke?

Montenegro as independent state exist 51 years from Adam and Eve (1878-1916 and 2006 - to present day).

I rightfully consider Duklja and Zeta predecesors and proto-Montenegrin states similary like I consider Karantanija proto-Slovenian state.

[Jana]

What is the general attitude in Croatia regarding a hypothetical formation of a third entity in Bosnia?

It has general support.