Conflict and tension between Kosovo and Serbia have deep roots that stretch back to the early history of these eastern European nations. Recent clashes in northern Kosovo involving both Serbian protesters and NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) peacekeepers have highlighted the ongoing issues in this region. Over 60 people were injured in the most severe outbreak of violence there in over a decade. The root cause of the current tension? A long-standing ethnic and political divide between ethnic Serbs and ethnic Albanians.
The Ethnic and Political Divisions
In northern Kosovo, a majority population of ethnic Serbs has been trying to block Albanian mayors from taking charge in local councils. This led to a boycott of local elections in April 2023 by the Serbs, resulting in an exceedingly low voter turnout of less than 3.5%. Subsequently, the election results were rejected by the Serbs as being illegitimate.
Understanding the Background of the Kosovo-Serbia Conflict
Examining the geographical locations of both nations is essential in understanding their ongoing conflict. Serbia, a landlocked country lying in eastern Europe, borders with Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria. Located to Serbia’s southwest is Kosovo, a small landlocked region sharing borders with North Macedonia, Albania, and Montenegro.
The ethnic composition of the two regions further complicates their relationship. While Kosovo is home to a populace where 92% are Albanians and only 6% are Serbian, the scenario is reversed in Serbia, where Serbs are the majority. Other minority groups in the regions include Bosniaks, Gorans, Turks, and Roma.
Another key factor in the ongoing contention between Kosovo and Serbia is their varied interpretation of historical events, such as the 1389 Battle of Kosovo. To Serbian nationalists, the Battle symbolizes a defining moment in their national struggle, whereas ethnic Albanians in Kosovo view the battle as a symbol of Serbian occupation and repression.
Disintegration of Yugoslavia and NATO’s Intervention
The geographical borders and political landscape of the Balkans have continually evolved over the past century. After World War II, until 1992, the region was known as the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, with Belgrade as its capital. The collapse of the Soviet Union also led to the disintegration of Yugoslavia, with various republics turning into independent countries.
Amid the political chaos and resurgent nationalism, ethnic Albanian rebels formed the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) in 1998 to challenge Serbian rule. This prompted NATO’s intervention in 1999, resulting in a 78-day air campaign against Kosovo and Serbia.
Present Status of Kosovo
Despite declaring independence in 2008, Kosovo’s statehood is still not recognized by Serbia and several other countries, including India, China, and Russia. However, other nations such as the US, most EU countries, Japan, and Australia accept Kosovo as a separate country. Of the 193 United Nations (UN) countries, 99 recognize Kosovo’s independence.
India’s Stand on the Status of Kosovo
India maintains that Kosovo does not fulfill the three principles required for recognition: a defined territory, a duly constituted government accepted by the people, and effective control over an area of governance. Hence, India has opposed Kosovo’s membership in various international bodies. India’s non-recognition of Kosovo is primarily due to its support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Serbia, with whom it shares a long-standing relationship.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
In a question asked in 2023’s Civil Service Examination, candidates were asked to match various regions with corresponding reasons for their recent appearances in the news. None of the given pairs were found to be correctly matched. For example, North Kivu and Ituri are related to the Republic of Congo, not Armenia and Azerbaijan. Similarly, Nagorno-Karabakh is a region of southwestern Azerbaijan, not Mozambique. Lastly, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia relate to the dispute between Ukraine and Russia, not Israel and Lebanon.