LITTLE ENTENTE Meaning and
Definition
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The Little Entente refers to a diplomatic agreement and alliance that was formed in the interwar period, specifically during the 1920s and 1930s, in Eastern Europe. It consisted of Czechoslovakia, Romania, and Yugoslavia, and aimed to counterbalance the influence and potential threats posed by neighboring powers such as Hungary and Bulgaria.
This coalition sought to safeguard their territorial integrity and regional stability by acting as a united front against any potential aggression. The Little Entente was a reaction to the perceived revisionist policies of Hungary, which hoped to restore its pre-World War I borders, and the ambition of Bulgaria, which sought territorial gains.
The agreement involved mutual defense and cooperation, with a particular focus on military collaboration, intelligence sharing, and economic ties. The Little Entente bolstered its stance by forming alliances and pacts with other nations like France and the Soviet Union. The main objective was to prevent any attempts to undermine the sovereignty of the member states or disrupt the balance of power in the region.
In practice, the Little Entente aimed to promote peace, stability, and territorial integrity, and prevent any potential conflicts. It represented an effort by smaller nations to counterbalance the influence of more powerful and expansionist neighbors. Although the Little Entente dissolved before the outbreak of World War II due to changing geopolitical dynamics, it served as an important precedent for regional cooperation and as an example of collective security in Eastern Europe.
Etymology of LITTLE ENTENTE
The term "Little Entente" was coined in the 1920s to refer to a diplomatic alliance and understanding between several eastern European countries. This term originated after the end of World War I, when a new political landscape was emerging in Central and Eastern Europe.
The main countries involved in the Little Entente were Czechoslovakia, Romania, and Yugoslavia. They formed this alliance to counterbalance the influence of their more powerful and aggressive neighbors, namely Hungary and Bulgaria. The primary goal of the Little Entente was to maintain regional stability and protect their mutual interests against potential aggression.
The term "Little Entente" itself seems to have originated in France. In French, "entente" means understanding or agreement, while "little" was used to distinguish this alliance from a larger one. The Little Entente was also supported by France, as it saw these countries as potential partners and a counterweight to German influence in the region.
