Implications of Kosovo: Another Balkans War?
Abstract
There has been international concern that ethnic conflict could erupt elsewhere in the Balkans region. Macedonia has been relatively peaceful, due in part to a continuing U.S. Army presence that lends legitimacy to U.S. and NATO resolve to keep abreast of developments in the area. The tense situation has been contained. The same cannot be said for the Serbian province of Kosovo. The situation in Kosovo has been uneasy throughout the post-World War II era. The potential for more violent eruption has increased since 1989, when the autonomy of the province under the former Yugoslavia was rescinded and it was placed under virtual martial law; in response, ethnic Albanians have put into effect their own state structure and openly advocate independence from Serbia. This situation, leading to periodic violent clashes between the Serbian government and the ethnic Albanian majority, has continued throughout the process of international peacekeeping fostered by the Dayton Accords. The Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) emerged and has initiated a paramilitary campaign to challenge Serbian authority.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA382906
Entities
Organizations
- Association of the United States Army