Republic of Slovenia – 30 years of independence

Abstract

Slovenia’s path to creating its own state was long and hard. The idea of independence in one form or another has been present in Slovenian national consciousness since 1848. After the First World War Slovenes became part of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia, but even in the new state formation, which saved them from Austrian and Italian capture, they did not feel sufficiently independent, feeling dictate of Belgrade. After the Second World War Slovenian lands became part of the Federal People’s Republic of Yugoslavia (and later Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia) as a republic. But even here they continued to defend their national interests and eventually became an independent state. For 30 years of independence, Slovenia was able to build a full-fledged state. Become an equal member of the European Union. Build a modern economy that allows to promote Slovenian goods on the world market. In terms of international politics, Slovenia strives to become a central actor in the region of the so-called Western Balkans.