The Croatian Diaspora in Argentina

From Martyrs to Memory Guardians
Erscheinungsjahr 2026
ISBN: 978-963-386-755-6
Verlag: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Buch, Englisch, 290 Seiten, Format (B × H): 162 mm x 236 mm, Gewicht: 604 g

Reihe: Central European University Press

Following the collapse of the fascist Independent State of Croatia (1941–1945), around ten thousand political émigrés fled to Perón’s Argentina. This study traces the Croatian diaspora’s evolution from its founding to the present. Initially marked by trauma—military defeat, exile, and reprisals—the community redefined its identity within Cold War geopolitics, first as victims of communism, later as champions of democracy. For decades, it viewed itself as guardian of the Croatian national cause. The establishment of independent Croatia in 1991 challenged this role, prompting reflection on whether to remain in the diaspora or reintegrate into the homeland.

Drawing on archival research and oral testimonies, Nikolina Židek explores how intergenerational memory shaped identity across time. She shows how the community preserved its origins while adapting to new realities, ultimately transforming into “planetary Croats” who use social media and transnational networks to connect with Croatia and the global diaspora.

Autoren/Hrsg.

Židek, Nikolina

Fachgebiete

• Sozialwissenschaften Ethnologie | Volkskunde Volkskunde Minderheiten, Interkulturelle & Multikulturelle Fragen
• Sozialwissenschaften Soziologie | Soziale Arbeit Spezielle Soziologie Soziologie von Migranten und Minderheiten

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Acknowledgments Introduction Chapter 1 – Year zero: the defeat, the exile, and Bleiburg Chapter 2 – “Il Piccolo Stato Croato”: the Allied Displaced Persons Camp Fermo in Italy Chapter 3 – Destination Argentina Chapter 4 – Political and publishing activities Chapter 5 – Homeland celebrations far away from home Chapter 6 – The 1990s: Between a Dream Come True and Déjà Vu Chapter 7 – New configurations in 2000s Epilogue and Conclusions List of Archival Collections Consulted Bibliography

Über Autor(innen)

Nikolina Židek is a Professor at IE University Madrid, School of Politics, Economics, and Global Affairs. She holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from the Complutense University of Madrid (UCM). Prior to her academic career, Dr. Židek served for twelve years as a Croatian professional diplomat.