The 'Internal Macedonian Revolutionary Organization': The Culture of a 'Non-Governmental' Fighting Force and its Relationship with Bulgarian Power Elites.

• In Event: Military Cultures in Eastern Europe: A Reflection of Historical Memory.

Abstract

The Internal Macedonian Revolutionary Organization (IMRO), founded in 1893, sought the annexation of Macedonia to Bulgaria, following historical narratives of national belonging. As a militant group, IMRO drew from the partisan military culture of the 19th century, engaging in violent campaigns to destabilize Ottoman rule and later obstruct Bulgarian-Serbian reconciliation. IMRO became intertwined with Bulgarian politics, working closely with the army and the Association of Bulgarian Reserve Officers (ARO), effectively functioning as a hybrid paramilitary force that was not part of governmental structure, but occasionally served Bulgarian state interests. This allowed Bulgarian elites to orchestrate violence in Macedonia while maintaining plausible deniability.

Author

• Markus Wien, American U Bulgaria (Bulgaria)