Pogled britanske diplomacije na slovenske secesionistične težnje ob koncu osemdesetih let in na slovenski plebiscit

slovenian

2025

volume 33, issue 4

diplomacy   dissolution of Yugoslavia   Great Britain   plebiscite   Slovenia

Univerza na Primorskem, Znanstveno-raziskovalno središče Koper
(Obvezni izvod spletne publikacije)

Drawing on an analysis of unpublished archival records held by The National Archives and the most relevant scholarly literature, this article examines the perception and stance of British diplomacy regarding the emergence of secessionist tendencies in the Republic of Slovenia between 1988 and 1990 and the plebiscite held on 23 December 1990. Although the influence of the United Kingdom in global politics had declined after the end of World War II, it remained a significant player in international affairs. It was well informed about the dynamics in Yugoslavia, particularly by the British Embassy in Belgrade. From 1989, British diplomatic records reflected growing attention to the emergence of Slovenian separatism. However, British diplomacy did not assess that the northernmost Yugoslav republic would ultimately pursue independence from Yugoslavia. Particular attention was given to the Republic of Slovenia’s preference for decentralization and the transformation of the state into a confederal structure – an approach that was met with a degree of sympathy within British diplomatic circles. In the autumn of 1990, British diplomats were familiar with the general information regarding both plebiscite initiatives and the implementation of one of them, but they did not pay it close attention. Developments in the Republic of Slovenia were considered within the broader context of events in Yugoslavia. The consequences of the Slovenian plebiscite appeared unclear to British diplomats. Although British diplomats expected that the majority of eligible voters would support the independence of the Republic of Slovenia, they could not predict whether this would result in Slovenia’s secession or if would be associated with the other republics on a confederal basis. The notes and assessments of British diplomacy concerning developments in Yugoslavia, as well as those related to the Slovenian plebiscite – despite occasional factual inaccuracies – were generally accurate.

01.09.2026