This study stems from a long association with Yugoslavia: two years at
the World Bank and a further two and a half years with the International
Investment Corporation for Yugoslavia S.A. in London when I was invol-
ved in the financing of joint ventures between Yugoslav and foreign
enter- prises - part of the subject matter of this study. I believe that
anyone dealing with Yugoslavia has found it difficult to escape the
spell of this fascinating country. There is its history, rich in
struggles and achievements, its cultural heritage, the beauty of its
land- scapes and, last but not least, the character and qualities of its
people. But while anyone of these features (to which others could easily
be added) may have its special appeal depending on one's personal
inclinations, it is undoubtedly Yugoslavia's socio-economic system that
arouses universal interest. For some it represents the only system that
eventually can ensure a just society, while for others its theoretical
foundations are utopian and its practical implementation an incoherent
muddle. The debate in the West about the merits of Yugoslav socialism
will continue for a long time, and if at this stage a personal comment
is called for then it must be that I have been struck by two things:
modesty and courage. The Yugoslavs are surprisingly modest about the
achievements oftheir system. There is no missionary zeal to export their
social philosophy.