ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the background and basic administrative orientation of Croatia; administration and economic development in crisis; administration and economic development under reconstruction; and relates – in the conclusion – the tentative findings to larger post-Communist administrative issues. Croatia's history goes back to Roman times and its successive occupations from the Romans onwards have left a visible legacy. In the 4th century, borders were drawn between the Western and Eastern parts of the Roman Empire and in the provinces of Panonia, Dalmatia, and Histria, Croats colonized the easternmost area of the Western Roman Empire. Specific ministries usually assume responsibility for specific projects necessitating negotiation and resolution of "turf battles." Some projects are coordinated initially and some are not. Agencies to deal with refugees, restore emergency services, and re-establish infrastructure are basically traditional hierarchical, rule-bound organizations as are the Ministries of Defense, Justice, Interior, Labor, Culture, etc.
