The Kosovar Road to Independence

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Issue Date
2017-07-28
Language
en
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Abstract
This study argues that a successful outcome of a secession process is more likely to occur once an international advocacy network gets involved. Therefore, this study will demonstrate the influence of an international advocacy network towards a more positive outcome of a secession tendency, in this case Kosovo. This expectation will be assessed through an in-depth single case study analysis, in which the role of an international advocacy network is set out. In order to prove this fit, this paper draws upon the boomerang model introduced by Keck and Sikkink (1999), which recognizes the role of the international community in solving intra state conflicts. The core feature of the boomerang model is the ‘linking up’ between a domestic group and international allies. This establishes a boomerang pattern that allows for intensified pressure on a target state. In order to reveal this specific role of international institutions, a process tracing method is applied to the case of Kosovo. A method of process tracing allows for an in-depth analysis and description of the five phases that the boomerang model consists of. The theoretical approach of this study assumes that the Kosovar Albanians want to secede from the Serbian state, their oppressor, and create a sovereign and independent state. Since their claims do not have any significant effect, they reach out to the international community. This may result in international support from an international advocacy network, which strengthens the claims of the Kosovar Albanian people towards their desired outcome.
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Faculteit der Managementwetenschappen