Yugoslavia: Beyond Dictatorship

One man was missing as the Yugoslav Central Committee met last week in Belgrade's ornate, 19th century Parliament Hall. For the first time since World War II, President Josip Broz Tito was not present to call the tune. He was relaxing at his island hideaway of Brioni, fully content to let his lieutenants transact what business there was. Tito's absence—and his confidence—were symbolic of the country's new relaxation. Yugoslav Communism is evolving toward a less dictatorial—if still far from democratic—form of government.

Last year Yugoslavia underwent a series of events unprecedented under...