The master’s thesis explores the defense policy and military cooperation between Slovenia and Italy. Slovenians and Italians who have long lived together near the border and in the northern Adriatic area, had an important role in establishing friendly relations after World War Two, while Yugoslavia maintained good relations with Italy during the Cold War. Independent Slovenia gains in Italy an important partner country for the Slovenian Army, which participated in its first military operation Alba under Italian command in 1997 and established the Multinational Land Force together with the Italian and Hungarian armies in 1998. Slovenia then quickly evolved from a country that needs protection and assistance, to one that can actively contribute to peace and security in Europe. Italy and Slovenia have a shared interest for stability and progress of the Western Balkans and for cooperation in the wider Mediterranean region. The thesis confirms that cooperation is enhanced due to the shared history, geostrategic positions and strategic orientations of both countries.
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