Josip Broz Tito was the leader of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia from 1945 until his death in 1980. During World War II, Tito organized the anti-fascist resistance movement known as the Yugoslav Partisans. Later he was a founding member of Cominform but resisted Soviet influence, and became one of the founders and promoters of the Non-Aligned Movement.
In 1948, motivated by the desire to create a strong independent economy, Tito became the first (and the only successful) socialist leader to defy Stalin's leadership in the COMINFORM; he was one of the few people to stand up to Stalin's demands for absolute loyalty.
Stalin took it personally – for once, to no avail.
"Stop sending people to kill me", Tito wrote. "If you don't stop sending killers, I'll send one to Moscow, and I won't have to send a second."
Under Tito's leadership, Yugoslavia became a founding member of the Non-Aligned Movement.This move did much to improve Yugoslavia's diplomatic position.
Tito was notable for pursuing a foreign policy of neutrality during the Cold War and for establishing close ties with developing countries. Tito's strong belief in self-determination caused early rift with Stalin and consequently, the Eastern Bloc. His public speeches often reiterated that policy of neutrality and cooperation with all countries is natural as long as these countries are not using their influence to pressure Yugoslavia to take sides. Relations with the United States and Western European nations were generally cordial.
He died there on May 4, 1980.
His funeral drew many world statesmen. Based on the number of attending politicians and state delegations, it was the largest statesman funeral in world history.
