Little Entente
The Little Entente, also called Malá dohoda or Mala Antanta, was a military alliance formed in 1920–1921 by three countries: Czechoslovakia, Romania, and the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes (which became Yugoslavia in 1929). Its main goal was to defend against Hungary and to prevent a return of the Habsburg monarchy in Austria or Hungary. France supported the idea and signed treaties with each member to back the alliance.
Edvard Beneš, the Czech foreign minister, was the key founder and a strong advocate for the alliance. He believed it would help protect the member states’ independence and give them a stronger voice in international affairs.
The alliance began with a mutual defense pledge: if Hungary attacked any member, the others would come to assist. The Belgrade agreement was signed on August 14, 1920, with ratifications exchanged on February 10, 1921. Romania initially declined to join in 1920 but later became a member.
Over time, the Little Entente sought to coordinate foreign policy and strengthen cooperation among its members. France backed the alliance as a way to contain German power in the region.
In 1933, the Pact of Organisation established a formal framework for permanent cooperation and new institutions within the Little Entente.
The alliance weakened as Germany grew stronger in the late 1930s. By 1938 it effectively collapsed, partly because French support faded and Germany’s expansion continued. The Little Entente never fought a war as a single bloc. In World War II, regional alliances reappeared in various forms to address new tensions.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 21:51 (CET).