Svetovna

Svetovna is a term that has been used in various contexts, primarily in the Balkans, to refer to a concept of a unified South Slavic state. The term is derived from the South Slavic languages and translates to "world" or "universe." The idea of Svetovna emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a response to the fragmentation of the South Slavic lands into multiple states, primarily Austria-Hungary, the Ottoman Empire, and the Kingdom of Serbia. The concept was popularized by figures such as Jovan Cvijić, a Serbian linguist and politician, who argued for a unified South Slavic state as a means to preserve the South Slavic identity and culture.

The Svetovna movement gained significant traction during the Balkan Wars of 1912-1913, when the South Slavic peoples of the Balkans successfully liberated themselves from Ottoman rule. However, the movement was ultimately overshadowed by the outbreak of World War I, which led to the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the creation of new states in the region. The idea of Svetovna was largely abandoned in the aftermath of the war, as the newly created states, such as Yugoslavia, focused on their own national identities and interests.

In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in the concept of Svetovna, particularly among South Slavic intellectuals and politicians. Some argue that the idea of a unified South Slavic state could provide a solution to the ongoing conflicts and tensions in the region, while others view it as a dangerous and unrealistic notion. Despite the ongoing debates, the idea of Svetovna remains a significant and enduring aspect of South Slavic history and culture.