This edited book analyzes Kosovo’s foreign policy and bilateral relations with the United States and several European countries.
After the 1999 liberation from Serbia, Kosovo built close relations with various countries that supported it in the process of reconstruction, economic stabilization, institution-building, and state-building. From 1999 to 2008, many of these states were politically and operationally engaged in Kosovo under the leadership of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK). Since its independence in 2008, the Republic of Kosovo has adopted a foreign policy in accordance with its values and strategic interests, a foreign policy that aims to strengthen Kosovo’s security and foster its socio-economic prosperity in collaboration with primarily Western countries. In this volume, each chapter is dedicated to Kosovo’s bilateral relations with a selected state with which it has established diplomatic relations. The book shows that Kosovo has been able to develop and achieve strong bilateral relations with major allies and partners. It argues that Kosovo’s foreign policy aims to develop, maintain, and enhance the position of the young state on the international stage. The volume bridges various methodological and disciplinary approaches in order to present Kosovo’s foreign policy objectives and the trajectory of its relations with some of its most important international partners.
This book will be of interest to students of Balkan politics, state-building, foreign policy, and International Relations.
1. Introduction: Mapping Out Kosovo’s Foreign Relations
Liridon Lika
2.The Dynamics of US–Kosovo Relations: An Investigation of Key Factors
Drilon S. Gashi and Pëllumb Kelmendi
3. Kosovo and Albania, a Special Relationship: Retrospectives and Challenges Toward the Future
Afrim Krasniqi
4. Bilateral Relations between Kosovo and Austria: An Unknown Friendship
Faruk Ajeti
5. Kosovo and Belgium: Dynamics and Factors of a Solid Relationship
Bernard Nikaj and Liridon Lika
6. Kosovo–Croatia Bilateral Relations: A Rapport Beyond Statehood
Shkëndije Geci Sherifi
7. Kosovo and France Bilateral Relations: Between Change and Continuity
Enika Abazi
8. Kosovo–Germany Relations: Germany’s Role in Strengthening Kosovo’s Statehood
Engjellushe Morina
9. Kosovo and Montenegro: A Relationship Based on Euro–Atlantic Perspective
Anton Vukpalaj
10. Bilateral Relations between Kosovo and North Macedonia: Condemned to Cooperate?
Ardijan Sainovic
11. Kosovo and Sweden: A Relationship Based on Values and Principles
Armend Bekaj
12. Kosovo’s Bilateral Relations with Turkey: Between Cooperation and Mistrust
Liridon Lika
13. Bilateral Relations between Kosovo and the United Kingdom: A British Perspective
Daut Dauti
14. Conclusion: Assessment and Outlook of the Kosovo’s Foreign Policy and Bilateral Relations
Liridon Lika
Biography
Liridon Lika is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASoS) of the Maastricht University (UM) in the Netherlands and a Lecturer at the Center for International Relations Studies (CEFIR) of the Department of Political Science of the University of Liège (ULiège) in Belgium.
'This book is very timely and offers a much-needed analysis of Kosovo’s foreign policy and its diplomatic relationships with key strategic allies and partners. Outstanding scholars, as well as experienced diplomats and practitioners, provide their insightful examinations of the foreign policy and bilateral relations of Kosovo. This edited volume is also a valuable contribution to the understanding of international relations, diplomacy, and the foreign policy of small states. It serves as an excellent resource for academics, foreign policy decision-makers, diplomats, scholars, students, and a broad audience in general. We are delighted to highly recommend this book to all readers who seek an in depth understanding of the challenges, opportunities, and foreign policy perspectives of a new, young European country.'Arben Hajrullahu and Bekim Baliqi, Department of Political Science, University of Prishtina, Kosovo
'This timely volume brings interesting new insights into how the young state of Kosovo has managed to establish relations with a wide range of countries and developed a distinct foreign policy profile. This study is not only attractive for scholars and students with an interest in Kosovo but also for those who want to better understand foreign policy strategies of small states.'
Sophie Vanhoonacker, University of Maastricht, The Netherlands
'Kosovo’s Foreign Policy and Bilateral Relations shows how a recently independent state whose statehood is contested in some quarters has nonetheless managed to establish itself as a diplomatic actor with its own foreign policy. This timely and interesting volume combines insights and experiences from both academics and practitioners on Kosovar strategies in the field and the obstacles that had to be dealt with.'
Thomas Conzelmann, University of Maastricht, The Netherlands
'Everything you need to know and more about Kosovo’s place on the global stage appears in this rich edited book. Liridon Lika and his contributors have done an excellent job in analysing Kosovo both as a subject and actor of international relations, in its pre-and-post independence period. The contributions provide a comprehensive and multidimensional analysis of the bilateral relations forged by Kosovo both with traditional powers and with new States, such as those emerging from the dissolution of Yugoslavia. The book provides very useful knowledge for anyone wishing to understand how diplomacy helps shape the trajectory of a new State and its preferences in international affairs. The book also makes a genuine academic contribution, filling a void on a topic that is at present poorly researched. It is a meaningful collaborative project combining stimulating academic contributions from the Balkans, Europe, and the United States.'
Sebastian Santander, Director of the Center for International Relations Studies (CEFIR) and Head of the Department of Political Science, University of Liège, Belgium
