# Aleksandar Ranković > Yugoslav politician (1909-1983) **Wikidata**: [Q164756](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q164756) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aleksandar_Ranković) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/aleksandar-rankovic ## Summary Aleksandar Ranković was a Yugoslav politician and high-ranking official in the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, known for his role in shaping the country's internal security and political structure. He served as a key figure in the Yugoslav Partisan movement during World War II and later held influential positions in the Yugoslav government, including as a member of the League of Communists and as head of the State Security Administration (UDBA). Ranković was instrumental in establishing and maintaining the ideological and security framework of the Yugoslav socialist state. ## Biography - Born: 28 November 1909, in Serbia, Kingdom of Yugoslavia - Nationality: Yugoslav - Education: Not specified in provided data - Known for: Leadership in Yugoslav Partisan resistance, internal security, and political administration - Employer(s): Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, League of Communists of Yugoslavia, State Security Administration (UDBA) - Field(s): Politics, Government, Security ## Contributions Aleksandar Ranković played a central role in the Yugoslav Partisan resistance during World War II, contributing to the liberation of Yugoslavia from Axis occupation. He was a founding figure of the State Security Administration (UDBA), which he led for many years, shaping the internal security apparatus of the country. Ranković also contributed to the ideological and administrative structure of the Yugoslav socialist state, particularly through his involvement in the League of Communists of Yugoslavia. His work helped define the balance of power within the Yugoslav federation and influenced policies related to national unity and state control. ## FAQs **Who was Aleksandar Ranković?** Aleksandar Ranković was a Yugoslav politician and high-ranking official who played a key role in the Yugoslav Partisan resistance during World War II and later in the internal security and political administration of Yugoslavia. **What roles did Aleksandar Ranković hold in Yugoslavia?** He was a leading figure in the Yugoslav Partisan movement, a key member of the League of Communists of Yugoslavia, and the long-time head of the State Security Administration (UDBA), which oversaw internal security and political surveillance. **What organizations was Aleksandar Ranković associated with?** Ranković was associated with the League of Communists of Yugoslavia, the State Security Administration (UDBA), and the Yugoslav Partisan movement during World War II. **What awards did Aleksandar Ranković receive?** He received numerous Yugoslav honors, including the People's Hero of Yugoslavia, the Order of the Hero of Socialist Labour, the Order "For Merit to the People", the Order of Brotherhood and Unity, the Order of Bravery, the Order of the Partisan Star, the Order of the People's Liberation, and the Order of the People's Hero. **What was Aleksandar Ranković's role in World War II?** Ranković was a key figure in the Yugoslav Partisan resistance, contributing significantly to the fight against Axis occupation during World War II in Yugoslavia. ## Why They Matter Aleksandar Ranković's influence on Yugoslav politics and society was profound. As head of the State Security Administration, he was responsible for maintaining internal order and suppressing dissent, which had long-term effects on the political climate of Yugoslavia. His policies and leadership helped shape the ideological framework of the Yugoslav socialist state, influencing its approach to national unity, security, and political control. Without Ranković, the structure of Yugoslav internal security and the balance of power within the federation might have developed very differently. ## Notable For - Key figure in the Yugoslav Partisan resistance during World War II - Longtime head of the Yugoslav State Security Administration (UDBA) - High-ranking member of the League of Communists of Yugoslavia - Recipient of the People's Hero of Yugoslavia award - Recipient of the Order of the Hero of Socialist Labour - Recipient of the Order "For Merit to the People" - Recipient of the Order of Brotherhood and Unity - Recipient of the Order of Bravery - Recipient of the Order of the Partisan Star - Recipient of the Order of the People's Liberation - Recipient of the Order of the People's Hero ## Body ### Early Life and Background Aleksandar Ranković was born on 28 November 1909 in Serbia, during the existence of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia. His early life unfolded in a period of political upheaval and transformation in the Balkans. While specific details about his education are not provided, Ranković emerged as a committed political figure in the Yugoslav communist movement. ### Political Career Ranković became a prominent figure in the Yugoslav Partisan resistance during World War II, playing a critical role in the struggle against Axis occupation. His leadership during the war established him as a key figure in the post-war Yugoslav government. ### Role in the Yugoslav Government Following World War II, Ranković became one of the most powerful men in Yugoslavia. He was instrumental in the formation and operation of the State Security Administration (UDBA), which he led for many years. The UDBA was responsible for internal security, surveillance, and the suppression of political dissent. Ranković's influence extended into the ideological shaping of the Yugoslav state, particularly through his work with the League of Communists of Yugoslavia. ### Contributions to Security and Political Control As head of UDBA, Ranković oversaw the development of a centralized security apparatus that played a key role in maintaining the political order in Yugoslavia. His policies contributed to the suppression of nationalist movements and the enforcement of socialist unity. This system had a lasting impact on Yugoslav society and politics. ### Awards and Recognition Ranković received numerous honors for his contributions to the Yugoslav state, including: - People's Hero of Yugoslavia - Order of the Hero of Socialist Labour - Order "For Merit to the People" - Order of Brotherhood and Unity - Order of Bravery - Order of the Partisan Star - Order of the People's Liberation - Order of the People's Hero These awards reflect his significant contributions to the Yugoslav Partisan movement and the post-war Yugoslav state. ### Legacy Aleksandar Ranković's legacy is complex, marked by his role in both the liberation of Yugoslavia and the establishment of a powerful internal security apparatus. His influence on the political structure of Yugoslavia shaped the country's approach to governance and national unity for decades. His work continues to be studied for its impact on the balance between state control and individual freedoms in socialist states. ## References 1. Integrated Authority File 2. BnF authorities 3. International Standard Name Identifier 4. Virtual International Authority File 5. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie 6. Croatian Encyclopedia 7. Munzinger Personen 8. Library of Congress Authorities 9. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 10. Czech National Authority Database 11. CONOR.SI 12. [Source](http://purl.org/pressemappe20/beaconlist/pe)