Whither Kosovo? The Question of Independence
Abstract
With the world focused on the aftermath of September 11th, 2001, as well as additional terrorist attacks and threats around the world since then, the problem of the "final status" of Serbia's province of Kosovo has taken a back seat to more pressing foreign policy issues in both the United States and Europe. While the international community can continue to ignore this question, it will have to be addressed at some point and this may be in the near future. There are a myriad of potential solutions for determining Kosovo's future in the abstract, but very few seem feasible in reality. However, of all the potential options available, full independence is probably the least desirable. While there are best and worst case scenarios for Kosovo's future, what is likely to happen is that Kosovo will make slow progress towards meeting the objectives laid out by the United Nations (UN). The UN and KFOR will remain to provide both the leadership and stability needed to continue to move forward. If the UN is ultimately able to leave, a peacekeeping force will be required to ensure both internal and external stability. Kosovo in the future will look much like it does today with Serbs living in enclaves and multi-ethnicity a figment in the international communities' mind. This paper discusses why Kosovo should not become independent, the impact of Kosovo's independence on Serbia, why the United States should remain engaged in the region, and alternatives to independence. These alternatives are status quo (un protectorate), cantonization, loose federation, commonwealth, hard partition, substantial autonomy under European Union control, and conditional independence. (50 refs.)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 07, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA420210
Entities
People
- Gregg C. Potter
Organizations
- United States Army War College