From anti-socialist urbanism to fostering paths for insurgent global urban futures: thinking from the (post-)Yugoslav perspective

This Commentary explores the concept of post-socialism in human geography, particularly within post-Yugoslav (ex-YU) contexts. It posits that urban transitions in this region are marked by violent anti-socialist processes driven by neoliberal and nationalist movements aimed at dismantling socialist legacies and turning the ex-YU republics into peripheral territories. This shift has intensified the racialization and marginalization of vulnerable populations and provided conditions for neo-colonial extractivisms. Introducing the concept of “anti-social(ist)” urbanism, the Commentary frames post-socialist urban transitions as ongoing struggles against the remnants of socialism. It emphasizes the need to incorporate a perspective to address systemic racialization issues often overlooked in traditional post-socialist studies. The role of intellectual and academic efforts in resisting anti-socialist tendencies is also highlighted, noting the rise of critical post-socialist studies. The argument is structured around three key points: the significance of highlighting the anti-social aspects of post-socialist practices, the necessity of integrating discussion about racialization into post-socialist analysis, and the potential of comparative perspectives to foster new international political alliances. The Commentary advocates for an approach to human geography that challenges neoliberal and anti-socialist agendas, promotes social and racial justice and anti-colonial perspectives, and reclaims socialist histories to construct insurgent urban futures.