A Balancing Policy Attempt Against Italy in the Balkans in the Interwar Period: The Balkan Entente

This study examines the balancing efforts of the anti-revisionist Balkan states, namely Greece, Romania, Turkey and Yugoslavia against Italy in the interwar period through utilization of Stephen Walt’s balance of threat theory. Rome’s economic and military superiority, her geographical proximity buttressed by her offensive capabilities and offensive intentions which became much more aggressive and intimidating during the Fascist era led the status quo Balkan powers to seek ways to parry the Italian threat. The Balkan Entente that came into existence in 1934 became the main instrument of the anti-revisionist Balkan countries for the realization of this endeavor. However, the organization fell short of expectations due to the loss of conviction of some members that it would secure their borders in the event of an attack by a great power, insufficient material capabilities and governmental changes.