The mandate of Borisav Jović as President of the Presidency of Yugoslavia spanned a critical twelve-month period from 1990 to 1991. As a trained economist and established diplomat, he occupied a central position during the dissolution of the Socialist Federal Republic, directly influencing the transition of the state structure amidst rising republican independence movements.
Early Career and Diplomatic Service
Born in 1928 in Nikšić, Jović pursued academic training at the University of Belgrade Faculty of Economics, eventually earning a PhD in 1965. His professional trajectory moved from economic study into the diplomatic sphere, leading to his service as the Yugoslav ambassador to Italy between 1975 and 1979. During this period, he developed fluency in Italian and Russian, skills that complemented his role as a representative of Yugoslav interests abroad. He received the Grand Officer of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic for his contributions during this assignment.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Presidency and Internal Tensions
Jović ascended to the role of President of the Presidency of Yugoslavia in May 1990, serving until May 1991. Simultaneously, he acted as the Secretary General of the Non-Aligned Movement. His tenure was marked by close alignment with Slobodan Milošević. Within his 1995 book, Poslednji dani SFRJ, Jović recounted strategic discussions held in June 1990 regarding the use of force against pro-independence forces in Slovenia and Croatia. He later participated in the negotiations for the Brioni Accord in July 1991, which followed the commencement of the Ten-Day War.
Political Strategy and Military Realignment
In mid-1991, Jović sought to implement emergency powers to authorize the Yugoslav People's Army to secure national stability, but the initiative failed when the Bosnian delegate Bogić Bogićević declined to support the measure. During the ensuing conflict, Jović collaborated with Milošević on the administrative restructuring of military forces. According to Jović, they orchestrated the transfer of Yugoslav People's Army personnel from Bosnia and Herzegovina to their respective home territories to avoid international accusations of aggression against the central government, effectively creating the foundation for the Bosnian Serb Army.
Economic Views and Later Testimony
Jović maintained a critical perspective on Prime Minister Ante Marković, describing him as a detriment to the domestic economy and an agent of external Western interests. Following the conflict, Jović provided testimony to the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, though he was never indicted. His public career concluded long before his death in Belgrade on 13 September 2021, at the age of 92, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fast facts
- Born: 1928, Nikšić
- Died: 13 September 2021, Belgrade
- PhD: University of Belgrade Faculty of Economics, 1965
- President of the Presidency: 1990-1991
- Ambassador to Italy: 1975-1979
- Languages: Serbian, Italian, Russian
- Political Party: Socialist Party of Serbia
Questions readers ask
What was Borisav Jović's role in the Yugoslav Wars?
He was a key advisor to Slobodan Milošević and, as President of the Presidency, attempted to use the military to control the country's dissolution. He also helped facilitate the formation of the Bosnian Serb Army.
Was Jović ever prosecuted by the ICTY?
No, he was interviewed by the tribunal as a suspect but was not indicted; he instead served as a witness.
Achievements
- Secretary General of the Non-Aligned Movement (1990–1991)
- ambassador of Yugoslavia to Italy (1975–1979)
- President of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (1990–1991)
- President of the Presidency of Yugoslavia (1990–1991)
- Grand Officer of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic
- Educated at University of Belgrade Faculty of Economics
