Cronyism, Patronage and Nepotism in Ivan Kukuljević’s Correspondence

This research combines both qualitative and quantitative approach of historical network analysis to analyse, visualize, and interpret selected letters from the corpus of correspondence of Ivan Kukuljević Sakcinski, representing practices of favouritism (cronyism, patronage, and nepotism). The forms of favouritism are observed as a practice, by applying concepts from the social ontology of Theodore Schatzki. The analysis has shown that all periods of peak favouritism correspond with Kukuljević’s political positions and power, as well as with his social capital manifested through his relationship with Viceroy Ivan Mažuranić. The analysis also highlights the significance of the Society for Yugoslavian History as a central node that gathered most petitioners during its period of greatest activity. A close analysis of two series of letters – between Ivan Kukuljević Sakcinski and Ivan Mažuranić, and between Kukuljević and Marija Jambrišak – reveals a vivid practice of cronyism, nepotism, and reciprocity, and an evolving personal relationship between a patron and his protégé.