STRUCTURAL AND NON-STRUCTURAL OBSTACLES IN THE PROCESS OF RECOGNITION OF INDEPENDENCE OF KOSOVO: 2008-2021

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Dorajet Imeri
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7903-2931
Abdula Azizi
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7444-6230

Abstract

The process of recognition of Kosovo has continuously declined since the Declaration of Independence until 2021, the period covered in this paper. This process is characterized by external structural obstacles, as well as internal non-structural ones. Applying the content analysis method and semi-structured interviews, the paper emphasized that the main structural obstacle was the inability to accept the Ahtisaari Plan from the UN as a compromise choice. On the other hand, the non-recognition of the state of Kosovo by Serbia (supported by Russia) resulted in the division of the states into two large groups: “pro” and “contra” recognition. Meanwhile, due to these extreme divisions, a third group of states sees the recognition of Kosovo as an opportunity to solve the previous obstacles. Thus, Serbia has established clear schemes to hinder the development of the process, first by sending the case of Kosovo to the ICJ and later by presenting the Kosovo-Serbia negotiation as status negotiations. Meanwhile, the internal political instability in Kosovo and the wrong political approach towards potentially recognizing states are evident as non-structural obstacles in achieving new recognition. 

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How to Cite
Imeri, Dorajet, and Abdula Azizi. 2023. “STRUCTURAL AND NON-STRUCTURAL OBSTACLES IN THE PROCESS OF RECOGNITION OF INDEPENDENCE OF KOSOVO: 2008-2021”. Journal of Liberty and International Affairs 9 (1):352-63. https://doi.org/10.47305/JLIA2391358i.
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Author Biographies

Dorajet Imeri, University of Pristina, Republic of Kosovo

Dorajet Imeri has been teaching staff at the Faculty of Philosophy, University of Prishtina, since 2018; while 2020, he also held micro-managerial positions as Coordinator for Academic Development and Council Member. The focus of his studies in international relations, politics of recognition of states, international order, and global transformations. He has participated in several international conferences, where he has presented the challenges that Kosovo has had in the recognition process. It is awarded the Parliamentary Diplomacy of Kosovo and the Efforts Towards Creating a National Brand in Kosovo.

Abdula Azizi, South East European University, Republic of North Macedonia

Abdulla Azizi is a full professor and holds the position of Vice Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences. From 2002 onwards he has lectured courses in the field of the European Union. Since 2008 he has also held micro-managerial positions within the faculty (Coordinator for Erasmus+, Coordinator for doctoral studies, Director for research) and university (Central Research Committee, Senate member). He has been involved as a expert in a number of OSCE, European Commission and international donors funded projects. From 2017 he is a full member of the European Academy of Sciences and Arts (Salzburg). He graduated from the Faculty of Law in Skopje in 2001. Shortly afterwards he completed a one-year specialization at the Ecole National d’Administration in Paris. Then in 2005 received an MA in International Law; while in 2007 he received the degree “Doctor of Science” in the field of EU policies.