Politické vzťahy medzi Československom a Juhosláviou v období diktatúry (1929 – 1934): Interakcie v diplomatickom segmente

FRANTIŠEK JAKAB
Katedra histórie, Filozofická fakulta, Univerzita Mateja Bela v Banskej Bystrici

Political Relations between Czechoslovakia and Yugoslavia during the Dictatorship (1929–1934): Interactions in the Diplomatic Segment

Abstract: In 1929, internal political conflicts and numerous crises in Yugoslavia culminated in a regime change and the proclamation of a dictatorship. The study closely examines the development of bilateral political and diplomatic relations between autocratic Yugoslavia and democratically oriented Czechoslovak Republic, which at the time was its closest ally. The author further analyzes the attitude and behavior of Belgrade toward Prague, which, in order to maintain the alliance, was willing to make concessions and tolerate the authoritarian regime. Throughout the nearly six-year existence of the Yugoslav dictatorship, the country experienced significant repression and a dramatic curtailment of both personal and public freedoms, leaving a deep mark on Yugoslav society. While parts of the Czechoslovak political scene – and especially the press – critically reflected on the actions of the Yugoslav government against its own population, the official position of the Czechoslovak state remained unchanged. The study also partially focuses on the activities of the Yugoslav opposition and the Czechoslovak press, which did not always share the official narrative promoted by Prague. Despite its continued support for the dictatorship, Czechoslovakia failed to deepen its relations with Belgrade. On the contrary, relations gradually cooled during the 1930s, ultimately culminating in Yugoslavia’s passive stance toward the fate of Czechoslovakia during the Munich crisis of 1938.

Keywords: Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia, interwar period, dictatorship, diplomacy, political relations.