Slovakia on the Road to Independence

Slovakia on the Road to Independence, Volume 1, provides a detailed historical account of the political shifts occurring during the collapse of the Soviet Union. Author Paul Hacker offers a unique perspective on the transition to democracy in Eastern Europe through his experiences as the head of the U.S. Consulate in Bratislava. This biography and autobiography explores the period between 1990 and 1993, documenting the reestablishment of diplomatic relations and the eventual split of Czechoslovakia into separate Czech and Slovak republics.

This political history examines the complex tensions between Slovaks and Czechs, as well as the relationship between the Slovak majority and the ethnic Hungarian minority. Hacker details the administrative hurdles of managing a small diplomatic outpost and the broader developments leading to Slovak sovereignty. The narrative covers significant milestones, including the legacy of the Holocaust and the nation's eventual accession to NATO and the European Union.