In the post-war political landscape, divided by the Iron Curtain, Yugoslavia emerged as an exceptional entity, positioning itself between the East and West as a leader of the Non-Aligned Movement. The country's geopolitical standing, coupled with its involvement in global political affairs and high international regard, propelled Yugoslavia to the forefront of the burgeoning field of adult education. Yugoslavia's active engagement with international bodies such as the United Nations, UNESCO, Council of Europe, and within the Non-Aligned Movement advocated for adult education and literacy, facilitated the dissemination and popularisation of adult education concepts worldwide. Positioned strategically amidst the Iron Curtain, Yugoslavia served as a conduit for the spread of andragogy both to Eastern and Western countries, as well as to regions beyond, including Africa and Asia. This catalyzed the establishment of academic chairs and institutional units dedicated to adult education across diverse political and economic contexts. This research examined the contributions of Yugoslavian authors and intellectuals to the field of adult education through three primary lenses: The establishment of adult education as a scientific discipline, including the conceptualization and foundational frameworks of andragogy; Their role in advancing adult education research and scholarship; The international engagement of Yugoslavian authors through participation in UNESCO and other global initiatives aimed at promoting adult education on a worldwide scale. Prominent figures such as Borivoj Samolovčev, Mihajlo Ogrizović, Dušan Savićević, Ana Krajnc, Ašer Deleon, and Nikša Nikola Šoljan will be analysed for their significant contributions. The study will explore factors contributing to their achievements within the specific political and economic context of Yugoslavia, as well as their enduring impact on the evolution of adult education theory and practice. Utilizing a historical methodology, this research employed biographical analysis, examination of contemporary publications in both English and the national languages of Yugoslavia, and scrutiny of international journals, where the authors have contributed. Additionally, insights gleaned from interviews will complement textual analysis, offering first-source data and a nuanced understanding of the scholarly contributions and legacies of these influential figures in the field of adult education.
Popović et al. (Wed,) studied this question.