Columbia International Affairs Online: Policy Briefs

CIAO DATE: 06/2008

Kosovo Independence: An Albanian Perspective

Enika Abazi

April 2008

SETA Foundation for Political, Economic and Social Research

Abstract

Kosovo’s independence has revealed shifting strategic landscapes, security concerns and domestic developments in regional and international politics with significant implications for all actors in the region. Russia calculated to restore its lost ‘superpower’ status and control Serbia’s strategic oil industries. Turkey’s prompt recognition of independence increased its impact and prevented a stronger Greek-Serb- Russian axis in the region, while strengthening its Western identity. Kosovo’s independence will be a test case for keeping peace and stability in the Balkans within the new dynamics of regional and international politics.