Kosovo
Latest from USIP on Kosovo
- January 6, 2012 | Publication
In a period of tremendous change in parts of the world, we are asking USIP leaders, from board members to senior staff and experts, to explain the effects that events abroad and here at home will have on the United States, and the contributions the Institute can and does make. David Smock is currently the senior vice president for USIP’s Centers of Innovation.
- November 23, 2011 | Publication
This report is based on the panel presentation and the views expressed at a September 12, 2011 meeting of the Security Sector Reform working group.
- November 10, 2011 | In the Field
Participants in the USIP training will play active roles in strengthening the government’s ability to manage conflicts before they escalate.
- September 21, 2011 | Event
After three and half years of independent existence and two nation-wide elections, Kosovo has gained considerable experience with the functioning of institutions that are vital to a democracy, including a free press. Jeta Xharra, Kosovo’s leading investigative journalist and host of “Life in Kosovo” on public television channel RTK, addressed the status of the media and freedom of the press in Kosovo on September 21 from 10-12pm.
The Current Situation
It has been over a decade since the 1999 NATO intervention in Kosovo. In 2008 Kosovo declared its independence from Serbia, and on July 22, 2010 the International Court of Justice came down firmly for the legality of the declaration. Kosovo’s greatest challenges now involve implementing strong governance over its entire territory, bolstering a weak economy, fighting corruption, and establishing the robust rule of law. Building lasting peace in the region will also involve Kosovo's constructive cooperation with its neighbors, including Serbia. Both national and regional peacebuilding efforts are required to complete Kosovo’s transition into statehood and membership in the European Union.
USIP has worked in the Balkans since 1996, and is committed to peacebuilding in the region in cooperation with its newest state.
Peace Brief
A small group of experienced American Balkans hands met in October at the United States Institute of Peace in Washington, D.C. to discuss the situation and the way forward. This Peace Brief summarizes salient points from their discussion.
Countries: Kosovo | Issue Areas: Mediation and Facilitation, Post-Conflict and Peacekeeping Activities, Rule of Law, Security Sector Reform/Governance
USIP Event: October 13, 2010
A panel of experts review the historical background of Kosovo’s educational system, and discuss strengths and weaknesses of its current form. They also examine proposed educational reforms as well as Kosovars’ aspirations for the future.
Kosovo and the International Court of Justice
- Read Daniel Serwer's take on the opinion in his On The Issues article, "ICJ Advisory Opinion on Kosovo Independence Declaration"
- Listen to Veton Surroi's discussion at USIP, "Kosovo: What Next?," following the opinion
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Background: Visit the ICJ's Press Room to see a fact sheet on the Advisory Opinion or watch the reading of the opinion
Kosovo's Future: Building Institutions, Building Peace
- Listen to a discussion with Pieter Feith, the EU special representative in Kosovo (EUSR) and international civilian representative (ICR), on Kosovo's past, present, and future
- Watch Prime Minister HashimThaçi's lecture at USIP, "Building Kosovo's Euro-Atlantic Future"
- Read the text of Prime Minister Thaçi's Speech
Get Involved
- Sign up to learn more about Kosovo events and publications
- Contact us to learn more about USIP's work in Kosovo and the region
Visit usip.org/balkans for all of USIP's work in the region