Five Lessons from Kosovo's "Independence"

In: International affairs: a Russian journal of world politics, diplomacy and international relations, Band 54, Heft 4, S. 124-135

Abstract

On 17 Feb 2008, a unilateral declaration of the "independence" of Kosovo was pushed through by leading Western nations. This paper contends that the act set a dangerous precedent in international relations, as has already been demonstrated by further complications of the military-political situation. Five lessons that can be drawn from this situation are presented: (1) Only 30 of the world's 200 states have welcomed Kosovo's "independence"; among the UN Security Council's five permanent members, the US, the UK, & France approved of, while Russia & China opposed the declaration. (2) Most opposing states see Kosovo's independence as a gross violation of international law. (3) Those charged with negotiating a settlement of Kosovo's status wrongly negotiated instead for its independence. (4) A clear look shows that Kosovo was not ready for independence. (5) A threat exists of repetition of a Kosovo "scenario." A possible solution is suggested. Adapted from the source document.