The Beginnings of the Cold War and NATO's Approach to the Balkans

Abstract

The end of the Second World War, in addition to leaving great economic consequences and a great loss of life, also created a deep division between the Allies. This division will later create problems of different natures in the global aspect. Regardless of the influences, countries tended to side with one of two strong ideo-political blocs though Yugoslavia was also challenged in these dimensions. Its politics initially tended to be closer to the Soviet Union, but soon there would be a split aimed at political independence i.e. outside the influence of the Soviet Union. Undoubtedly, these circumstances also create security risk for Yugoslavia itself, which did not have the strength and readiness to face a military force like the Soviet Union. Yugoslav politics chose a different path, a "silent" cooperation with Western democracies, especially with NATO. In this context, NATO will also have special approach to the policies of Yugoslavia so that it would continue to be as far as possible from any influence of the Soviet Union.   Received: 05 May 2022 / Accepted: 17 May 2023 / Published: 20 May 2023