| Abstrakt: |
Abstract: One of the powers that had clearly defined interests in the Balkans was Czarist Russia. For its power politics, the Balkans represented a significant strategic space for further territorial expansion to the south and east. Russia’s main rival in the Balkans was Austria-Hungary, supported by Germany, and simultaneously also the Ottoman Empire. As another power, an ambitious Italy also attempted to assert itself more boldly in the Balkans. Albania was key for Italy’s expansionist politics in that region, and therefore Italy got into conflicts with Austria-Hungary. However, for the Italians the idea of the formation of a strong South-Slavic state on the Balkan coast of the Adriatic Sea under the protection of Russia was extremely worrisome. After the First World War broke out in July 1914, Italy adopted a neutral position. In the following months the struggle between the two hostile coalitions flared up as they attempted to gain Italy for their side. Rome at the same time naturally asserted its own interests above all else. Finally, after a heated diplomatic contest, Italy asserted its own demands regarding power and territory, principally against Austria-Hungary and the Ottoman Empire, and then in May 1915 it went over to the side of the Triple Entente. |
