THE KVATERNIK FAMILY: AXIS DIPLOMACY, THE HOLOCAUST, VIOLENCE, AND POWER STRUGGLES IN CROATIA (1941–1942)

The German and Italian authorities supported the Ustaše and played a key role in establishing the Independent State of Croatia. This paper analyses the roles and removals of Slavko Kvaternik and his son, Eugen Dido, two leading figures in the Croatian armed and police forces, and raises several key que- stions. First, it investigates the circumstances surrounding their dismissals. Second, it examines the Italian-German rivalry for influence in Croatia. Third, it explores how Italian, German, Spanish, and Vichy diplomats in Zagreb perceived Dido Kva- ternik’s involvement in the Holocaust and violence, while also assessing Slavko Kva- ternik’s role. The paper further considers the stance of Italian officials in Croatia, and of Benito Mussolini himself, on Ustaše violence. Finally, it addresses a notable rese- arch gap concerning the Austro-Hungarian legacy within the Croatian armed for- ces, as well as an insufficiently explored aspect of the Holocaust. The study draws on and cross-references Croatian, Serbian, Yugoslav, Italian, French, Spanish, and German sources and literature.