Lessons in Ethnic Reconciliation: A Case Study of Kosovo

Abstract

This study uses case study analysis to determine best practices for ethnic reconciliation in Kosovo – a country still experiencing stark ethnic divide between Albanian and Serbian populations after the genocide in 1999. Case studies include Guatemala and Burundi, both nations that endured and struggled to rebuild after their own ethnic conflicts. The study specifically targets the policy areas of United Nation (UN) involvement, host government reform, truth commissions, and transitional justice. Comparative analysis of the cases draws on documents like UN reports/resolutions, national laws, peace agreements, truth commissions, and court cases. The findings indicate that UN involvement in Kosovo was initially successful in implementing a ceasefire, however could have been more effective by involving citizens in inter-ethnic round tables. Additionally, Albanians and Serbians successfully co-exist and co-govern through power-sharing structures within the government. The findings also suggest that a truth commission could be beneficial to reallocate blame from an ethnicity as a whole to specific individuals. Finally, international transitional justice efforts have been more effective in Kosovo than in prior conflicts, yet witness corruption remains a pressing concern.