Melania Trump shows no interest in her homeland Slovenia – for that I am thankful | Ana Schnabl

Some Slovenes see the first lady as a chance for closer ties with the US. But let’s build relationships with those whose values we share

Ana Schnabl is a Slovenian novelist, editor and critic

Slovenia is a small country and not just in physical size or because it has a population of 2.1 million. It has no real geopolitical status: it doesn’t shape the foreign policy or economy of other nations, but it is shaped by them. There is a prevailing belief in Slovenia, therefore, that we should focus on our soft power. Exceptional Slovenians will pull the country out of anonymity, putting the country on the map or securing recognition through their merit, this view holds.

This is why the achievements of basketball players Goran Dragić and Luka Dončić, professional cyclist Tadej Pogačar’s Tour de France victories, the two-time Olympic gold medallist Janja Garnbret, Laibach’s notoriety and Katarina Čas’s film roles are all framed as national opportunities.

Ana Schnabl is a Slovenian novelist, editor and critic

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