Focusing on state and peace building in Kosovo, this research brings a new, more local perspective to the established literature. State and peace building is analyzed by using the methodology of... Show moreFocusing on state and peace building in Kosovo, this research brings a new, more local perspective to the established literature. State and peace building is analyzed by using the methodology of life stories, looking at the biographies of individuals whose life experiences reveal new aspects about the processes of state and peace building. Show less
Crucial challenges for multiparty mediation processes include the achievement of adequate cooperation among the mediators and consequent coordination of their activities in the mediation process.... Show moreCrucial challenges for multiparty mediation processes include the achievement of adequate cooperation among the mediators and consequent coordination of their activities in the mediation process. Existing literature goes only as far as to make it clear that successful mediation requires necessary cooperation and coordination between mediators, as if these features were exogenous to the process. Available research does not consider whether these features might change over time and if such change could have an impact on the overall mediation process. Experience shows that it is not rare for mediators who were initially willing to pool their resources and act in concert with one another to decide at a later point to stop cooperating. Using a game theoretical model (developed for the purposes of this research) and an analysis of five cases of multiparty mediation, this research illustrates the importance of maintaining necessary levels of cooperation and coordination to achieve successful outcomes and provides insights on how to achieve them in case the mediating coalition is faced with internal conflict of interests. Show less
In recent years, there have been several large and ambitious international administrations established to govern territories plagued by war and left without effective governments. The international... Show moreIn recent years, there have been several large and ambitious international administrations established to govern territories plagued by war and left without effective governments. The international administrations in Bosnia and Herzegovina (Bosnia) and in Kosovo were among those established. Although both international administrations were successful in the sense that large scale violence has not re-occurred, the question is whether the objective has been achieved of transforming both territories into sustainable political entities. This study is an attempt to answer these questions. The study is based on a qualitative research design in which both cases are compared. The study shows that the Office of the High Representative in Bosnia and the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo have been successful in creating political institutions, but not in making them sustainable. Consequentl y, Bosnia and Kosovo in 2008 can at best be considered weak states with weak political institutions that are dependent on the continued support of international organizations and foreign states. Show less
The war in Kosovo and the accompanying ethnic cleansing has catapulted this region to the centre stage of Western attention after so many years of relative silence and indifference. Already in the... Show moreThe war in Kosovo and the accompanying ethnic cleansing has catapulted this region to the centre stage of Western attention after so many years of relative silence and indifference. Already in the 1980s, many analysts pointed out that tensions between Albanian and Serbian nationalism and divisions between the Christian Serbs and the (mainly) Muslim Albanians were growing, and were turning the province into a dangerous Balkan hotspot. Comparisons were drawn, especially by Serbian nationalists, with the famous Battle of Kosovo fought between the Ottoman Turks and Balkan Christian forces in 1389 - a 'clash of civilizations' between two deeply antagonistic and incompatible nations. In light of the recent developments, it is logical that the rift between Albanians and Serbs is now perceived as a hard and fast line of division. Yet Kosovo has had a history of coexistence, with considerable movement across this ethnic and religious frontier, through economic ties, cultural diffusion, religious exchange and conversion. Throughout history, the ethnic and religious barriers have been anything but watertight. Show less
The curse below was revived with a vengeance at the 600th anniversary commemoration of the death of Serb Prince Lazar at the battle of Kosovo in 1389. Religious nationalists in Serbia accuse not... Show moreThe curse below was revived with a vengeance at the 600th anniversary commemoration of the death of Serb Prince Lazar at the battle of Kosovo in 1389. Religious nationalists in Serbia accuse not only the Ottoman Turks who fought Lazar, but also the Balkan Muslims of today of being stained with the blood of Christ-prince Lazar. Show less
