The master's thesis examines the role of small states in NATO through the prism of the war in Ukraine (UA) on the case study of the Republic of Slovenia (RS). The research was based on the study of the realization of the national interests of small states in NATO with limited material and other capabilities. The theoretical part presents the definition of the basic concepts of a small state, power, dependence, bandwagoning and the role of the state in an international organization and on the concept of national and collective security and defence. The contribution of the empirical part is a case study of the RS from the perspective of its role in NATO in solving the war in UA. The basic strategic defence documents of the RS were identified and analysed, and personal interviews with defence policy makers of the RS were conducted to assist in the analysis. The results of the master's thesis are that small countries, according to defence policy makers, can have a serious influence on NATO, but only if they are consistent in their appearances in NATO and if they know how to recognize their specific advantages such as CFS contributions, participation in CIMIC, protection and rescue and others. The war in UA represents a serious milestone for strengthening deterrence and defence capabilities for both NATO and the RS, but it also revealed shortcomings in the internal policy of the RS and its insufficient defence capabilities to meet its commitments. The master's thesis contributes to the understanding of the functioning of small states in multilateral security structures and highlights the importance of a good strategic positioning of the state, thus increasing the chances of greater influence that the state can have in the future, especially in the period when the armed conflict will end.
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