The Project Group for Research on the Diplomatic History of Central and South East Europe, Studia diplomatica Slovenica has published a new book by Dr. Ernest Petrič, "Foreign Policy – Basic Theory and Practice", which belongs to the Monographie series. Dr. Petrič has succeeded in bringing together his theoretical and practical knowledge about international relations in this new monograph, which has been reviewed by Dr. Andrej Rahten. The review is published below. The book is currently available only in the Slovenian language and can be ordered by e-mail at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Orders are available for collection in person at the castle of Jable, Grajska cesta 1, 1234 Mengeš or for delivery by post.“The book by Dr. Ernest Petrič on the theory and practice of foreign policy is a fitting opener to a new series in the collection Studia diplomatic Slovenica dedicated to monographs on international relations. It is the first work by a Slovenian author dealing systematically in monograph form with the dilemmas of foreign policy as a science. What gives Dr. Petrič an important edge is not only his painstaking theoretical analysis but also his extensive diplomatic experience. Starting his career in the former common state, he has capped it with key positions in Slovenia's diplomatic network since independence, making his views on contemporary diplomatic practice invaluable.
This extensive work, which has been divided into five sections, presents both the author's broader understanding of the theory behind international relations and foreign policy as well as an analysis of cases of actual conduct in the international community, primarily that concerning the policies of “small and new states” such as the Republic of Slovenia. In his examination of this science, Dr. Petrič tackles with utmost precision definitions of numerous basic concepts of foreign policy, making this book particularly useful for the growing number of students of international relations in Slovenia. Fittingly, the author is currently active as a lecturer at three of the four faculties teaching the subject in Slovenia at the time of writing.
Many of the definitions proposed by Dr. Petrič in the book will undoubtedly grow into standard definitions. As he states in the introduction, “foreign policy, which in real life is always a confrontation with the interests (as well as power and influence) of other countries, cannot be 'linear' nor 'systematic'”. It is instead “a continual process of presenting your initiatives and adapting to the initiatives of others that depends heavily on the current conditions, especially on the balance of power, but also on one's internal stability and long-term interests". The author's abundant experience in the field upholds the view that foreign policy “based on one's own desires or that shaped by the desires and pressure of public opinion, where emotions rather than reason prevail" is rarely successful and "often leads to failure and disappointment". In outlining the priorities of Slovenia's foreign policy, he states unequivocally that South Eastern Europe is "virtually the only space on the planet where Slovenia can play an important foreign policy role and where, at the same time, its key economic, political, security and other interests lie.«
The monograph by Dr. Ernest Petrič is a treasure trove of advice for those who steer Slovenia's foreign policy today. At the same time its use in teaching – its primary purpose – will certainly have an important impact on understanding of international relations among the younger generations.”
Dr. Andrej Rahten
