Independent Macedonia (IMRO)

The term "Independent Macedonia (IMRO)" refers to a historical political concept and associated activities primarily linked to the Internal Macedonian Revolutionary Organization (IMRO), especially during periods when it advocated for an autonomous or independent Macedonian state. The pursuit of an independent Macedonia was not a constant or universally agreed-upon goal within IMRO throughout its history. Initially, the organization's main objective was autonomy for Macedonia within the Ottoman Empire. However, after the Balkan Wars and the division of Macedonia amongst Greece, Serbia (later Yugoslavia), and Bulgaria, IMRO's focus shifted, and certain factions, particularly those based in Bulgaria, began advocating for complete independence or, alternatively, unification with Bulgaria.

The idea of an "Independent Macedonia" was often intertwined with complex geopolitical considerations and competing nationalisms in the Balkans. During the interwar period, IMRO, though officially advocating for an independent Macedonia, was heavily influenced by Bulgarian interests and often served as a tool of Bulgarian foreign policy. The idea also became a point of contention and conflict with neighboring states, each having their own claims and policies regarding the region of Macedonia.

Following World War II, with the establishment of the Socialist Republic of Macedonia within Yugoslavia, the concept of an "Independent Macedonia (IMRO)" became less prominent, though still held by some émigré groups. The socialist authorities in Yugoslavia fostered a separate Macedonian national identity, partially in response to historical irredentist claims from Bulgaria and Greece. After the dissolution of Yugoslavia and the declaration of independence by the Republic of Macedonia in 1991, the historical significance of the "Independent Macedonia (IMRO)" concept was re-evaluated, and a new political party, VMRO-DPMNE, claiming historical continuity with IMRO, became a prominent force in the newly independent state. However, modern interpretations of the idea of "Independent Macedonia" are distinct from the often violent and contested historical context associated with IMRO's earlier struggles.