ABSTRACT
Developments in the fall of 1991 in the Yugoslav republic of Montenegro suggested that leaders there were engaged in a power struggle over the republic’s future status. Montenegro’s actions suggested that for the first time since 1989, the republic’s politicians placed themselves at some distance from Serbia. As a nation, Montenegrins have long prided themselves on their reputation as warriors and liberators; their sense of independence; and their tradition of clan rule, which has continued well into the twentieth century and still has some influence on Montenegrin politics. Prior to the political developments in Montenegro since October 1991, President Bulatovic had been widely regarded as responsible for enforcing the pro-Serbian line in Montenegrin politics. In the 1960s nationalist movements became part of the Yugoslav political mainstream; and in Montenegro a campaign was launched to promote a Montenegrin national culture as well as a separate Montenegrin language and Orthodox Church.
