Article
How to Understand Slovakia and Its Politics (You Probably Cannot)
Why is Slovakia often described as one of the most pro-Russian countries in the European Union, while at the same time being deeply integrated into NATO and the eurozone? How is it possible that, during a certain phase of the war in Ukraine, Slovakia was one of Ukraine’s biggest supporters – on par with the Baltic states – and yet today, it has one of the most pro-Russian foreign policies in the EU? What is going on here?
So, sit down, grab something good to eat – today, I am diving into one of my favourite questions about Slovakia and its politics.
How to understand Slovakia and its politics?
First of all: you cannot. Not even Slovaks understand Slovakia. And those who claim they do usually are not even trying – they are just speaking from inside one of the country’s opinion bubbles.
When it comes to Slovakia, the question needs to be more humble. More grounded. We should be asking: How can we try to understand Slovakia?
Let us pause for a moment on my opening. You might think this sudden political U-turn – the shift in Slovakia’s stance toward Ukraine – is strange, maybe even shocking. But it is not. It did not surprise me. I have been trying to think of a way to explain it clearly. What follows will be a simplification, but one that touches on something essential about Slovak politics.
Here is the thing: in every conflict, Slovaks are winners. Why? Because they are always on both sides.
Under the monarchy, some Slovaks sided with the Habsburgs, others with the anti-Habsburg uprisings. During World War I, some fought for the emperor – the Central Powers – while others supported the creation of Czechoslovakia, which meant backing the Allies. In World War II, Slovak soldiers marched alongside Nazi Germany into Poland and the Soviet Union – but today, we celebrate the victory of the anti-fascist coalition, of which exiled Czechoslovakia was a part – and we remember the uprising of part of the Slovak army against its own regime and the looming German occupation.
Confused? That is okay. It gets worse.
I cannot think of a single historical event that all Slovaks agree is worth celebrating.
The creation of the First Czechoslovak Republic in 1918? Celebrated by some. Others reject it for being too dominated by Czechoslovakism.
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Summary
Common questions on this article's topic
Is Slovakia really pro-Russian?
Why did Slovakia shift from supporting Ukraine to a pro-Russian foreign policy?
Why cannot Slovaks agree on their own history?
What makes Slovak politics so difficult to understand for outsiders?
How does Slovakia's divided history affect its current politics?
Is there hope for political consensus in Slovakia?
If you have any thoughts, questions, or feedback, feel free to drop me a message at mail@richardgolian.com.
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