ABSTRACT
This chapter explores nation building in nations born out of the wars that broke up the former Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY). It provides a discussion of the communication and public relations research on nation building. The goal of the political institutions is to mediate the demands by citizens for services such as roads, schools, fire protection, and personal safety, with the political capabilities of the government. The creation of institutions such as political parties, nonpartisan professional organizations, and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) supportive of the current government has been an important part of the nation building process. The chapter describes some case studies of public relations and nation building in the Former Yugoslavia. It considers the implications of the use of public relations in nation building efforts in divided societies. Forms of public relations started off, as in most communist nations, as one-way communication initiatives from governments to citizens.
