Croatian Nationalist Groups in Australia 1949-1972: Friends in High Places

Between 1949 and 1972, Australia became the largest centre of violent Croatian nationalism outside of Europe. This book reveals how radical Croatian groups – responsible for bombings, armed incursions, and political violence across two continents – were allowed to proliferate, thanks to the disinterest and tacit support of Australia’s governing Liberal Party.Of all the Eastern and Southern European migrants who arrived in post-war Australia, only Croatians formed groups that Australian Secret Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) considered an actual and continuing danger to domestic security. These communities brought with them a potent blend of nationalist and anti-communist ideology that the Liberal government encouraged, viewing it as electorally useful in the Cold War context. The relationship between the Liberal Party and violent Croatian nationalism became one of the most bitter partisan controversies of the era and had real effects on Australian electoral politics, especially the seminal 1972 election. Drawing primarily on archival research, this book demystifies this controversial period. It examines the real relationship between the Liberal Party, the Labor Party, and violent Croatian nationalist groups. Rather than defending or condemning the actions of the 1949–1972 Liberal-led government or Croatian extremist groups, it provides the first comprehensive historical account of how ideology, partisan politics, and Cold War anxieties allowed this form of violent extremism to take root in Australia. This book will be of interest to researchers in the history of terrorism, nationalism, Australian politics, Croatian politics, and the politics of exile and emigres.

About the Author

Alexander Lee is a visiting fellow at the Australian National University.