SLOVAKIA | Turning Towards Russia?

In late 2023, the political landscape in Slovakia shifted significantly when Robert Fico, a former prime minister known for his pro-Russian stance, was re-elected as head of a coalition government. This has caused concern among Western allies as Slovakia has halted its military support to Ukraine. However, recent actions by the Slovak government indicate a potential shift in its position, raising questions about the nation’s allegiance in the context of NATO’s unity. So, has Slovakia become another NATO weak link alongside Hungary and Turkey? Or is its policy rather more complex that it seems on the surface? Slovakia’s history stretches back to the Great Moravian Empire, through Austro-Hungarian control, to its time as part of Czechoslovakia. Post-Cold War, the Slovak Republic has taken varied political and economic paths. Sometimes, it has aligned closely with the EU and NATO. At other times, it has shown nationalist, authoritarian tendencies under leaders like Vladimir Mečiar and Robert Fico. These fluctuations have influenced the nation’s foreign policy, particularly with Russia and Ukraine, impacting its perception as a reliable ally within Western alliances. *MY LATEST BOOK!* Secession and State Creation: What Everyone Needs to Know Oxford University Press Amazon *SUPPORT THE CHANNEL* Hello and welcome! My name is James Ker-Lindsay, and here I take an informed look at International Relations, conflict, security, and statehood. If you like what you see, please subscribe. Even better, perhaps consider becoming a Channel Member or supporting the Channel through Patreon. Thank you! SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE BECOME A CHANNEL MEMBER JOIN MY PATREON PAGE *VIDEO CHAPTERS* 00:00 Introduction and Titles 00:44 Slovakia and NATO-EU Unity 02:07 Slovakia: Location and Population 02:39 The Historical Emergence of Slovakia 03:51 Slovakia from Czechoslovakia to the EU & NATO 05:31 The Rise of Prime Minister Robert Fico 07:33 The Fall of Prime Minister Robert Fico 10:15 Slovakia’s Approach to Ukraine under Fico 11:57 Is Slovakia a New NATO-EU Weak Link? *SOURCES AND FURTHER READING* Slovakia | Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs SMER-SD | Political Party GLOBSEC | Slovak International Relations Think Tank NATO *EQUIPMENT USED TO MAKE THIS VIDEO* *MAP CONTENT* *DISCLAIMERS* - The contents of this video and any views expressed in it were not reviewed in advance nor determined by any outside persons or organisation. - Some of the links above are affiliate links. These pay a small commission if you make a purchase. This helps to support the channel and will be at no additional cost to you. #Slovakia #Russia #NATO #EU