Project

Obstacles to Balkans Peace

In Bosnia, rampant nationalism, especially on the Serb side, is preventing the country from reuniting after the bitter ethnic conflict of the 1990s. Serb nationalism is being stoked by Russia, which sees an opportunity to sow discord in what was once its area of influence. It is trying to stop the expansion of NATO to include Bosnia and to disrupt the EU wherever possible. As a result, Bosnia is unable to progress.

Meanwhile in Kosovo, momentum towards improving the nation's status has stalled and is going backwards. The problem is one of international recognition, especially by Serbia, which regards the territory as the soul of its identity. Is there a way beyond the impasse? Or is Kosovo doomed to be something of a non-state.