In the latest installment of his series, historian and politician Tomislav Jonjić reflects on Franjo Tuđman's diary, highlighting the Croatian leader's complex feelings regarding Croatian national identity during a time of suppressive political environment under Josip Broz Tito. Jonjić points out Tuđman's admission of his futile hope that Tito might one day acknowledge Croatian political consciousness, indicating a longing for a vibrant national identity that was stifled during the Yugoslav federation.

Jonjić further explores Tuđman's transition from a Yugoslav federalist to a Croatian nationalist, citing the many ways in which political choices, such as language and political expression, became acts of nationalism. He notes that Tuđman wrote his diary in a state of fear and caution, suggesting that even in his private thoughts, there was an overarching anxiety regarding the repressive surveillance of the Yugoslav secret police. This constant tension influenced the way Tuđman expressed his views, leading him to write with a degree of guardedness that reflected the political uncertainties of his time.

Overall, Jonjić's analysis offers critical insight into the formation of Croatian nationalism and the historical context that shaped Tuđman's ideology. Understanding these elements helps in comprehending the broader narratives surrounding Croatia's struggle for independence and identity during a tumultuous period in the Balkans.