Deterrence: An Illusion or a Useful Concept for the Defence of Small States? A Case Study of Slovenia’s Independence Cover Image

Odvračanje kot iluzija ali uporaben koncept obrambe majhnih držav? Študija primera osamosvojitve Slovenije
Deterrence: An Illusion or a Useful Concept for the Defence of Small States? A Case Study of Slovenia’s Independence

Author(s): Branimir Furlan
Subject(s): Military history, Security and defense, Military policy, Transformation Period (1990 - 2010), Peace and Conflict Studies
Published by: Študijski center za narodno spravo
Keywords: Slovenian independence; military strategy; deterrence; denial; war for Slovenia;

Summary/Abstract: The article discusses the problems of implementing the concept of deterrence against attacks on small countries. Based on a case study of the Slovenian independence process, the author points out some of the challenges of successful deterrence in practice and questions the usefulness of insisting on the concept of deterrence in national security and defence strategies in circumstances where its success is unlikely. In response to this question, he highlights the Slovenian experience, particularly from the war for Slovenia, where the strategy of denial succeeded to deter the aggressor from continuingthe war. The lessons learned can be useful for small countries facing military threats in the modern era.

  • Issue Year: 10/2026
  • Issue No: 1
  • Page Range: 145-165
  • Page Count: 21
  • Language: Slovenian
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