Summary: The development of political science in Slovenia has a long tradition. Established formally in 1964 and being initially limited by the dominant ideology in the former Socialist Yugoslavia, it was slowly developing, both in teaching and research, maintaining at the same time some space for free debate. The discipline's final modernization and professionalization was a result of democratization process connected closely with the emancipation of Slovenia from the Yugoslav federation. After 1989 and especially after Slovenia's independence in 1991 Slovenian political science research greatly expanded in its interests and abilities Teaching and research in political theory, political institutions, political culture, public policy and administration, international relations and security have been instrumental for the understanding of the new dynamic political processes in the country and in the new international surrounding. Joining the EU and other international organizations was a new challenge for political science expanding its interests on the EU policies. The third period of its development is marked by economic crisis opening the question of the role and purpose of the political science also in the wider context.