Hungary in Yugoslav Foreign Policy 1918–1941

Abstract

This paper will analyze the role of Hungary in the Foreign Policy of the first Yugoslav state. The main focus in on political bilateral relations, which are analyzed from the perspective of the state interests of the two countries which were on opposite sides during the First World War. We shall address the issues of how statesmen and military circles in Belgrade viewed the Hungarian foreign and domestic policy (particularly the question of the Habsburg restoration and its repercussion on the integrity of Yugoslavia, and irredentism and the role of minority in this aspect), and what concepts they pursued towards Budapest. An Important part of this analysis will be the role of economic contacts and projects in surmounting the political obstacles and crises. Bilateral political relations are analyzed through multilateral components, i. e. relations with the Great Powers, Yugoslavia ’s allies from the Little Entente (Czechoslovakia and Romania) and activities before the League of Nations.