This book takes an interest in the collapse and formation of the state and is primarily concerned with exploring and comparing the emergence of Kosovo and South Sudan. It contends that both have emerged in the stateness problem experienced by Serbia and Sudan. It demonstrates that the collection of the following three variables has determined their emergence: The occurrence of violence in Serbia and Sudan; The external involvement in this circumstance; and The regional and global support for their emergence. The book develops an independent conceptual framework and deeply explores and compares the emergence of Kosovo and South Sudan.

This Brief discusses political ideologies and their role in shaping Kosovo's post-conflict political landscape. Drawing on extensive research and analysis, this book offers a comprehensive examination of party competition, state-building, and the influence of the European Union (EU) in Kosovo's political future. The book raises important questions about the role of political ideologies in post-conflict states, the dynamics of party competition, and the influence of external actors like the EU. It prompts readers to critically analyze the relationship between ideologies, governance realities, and the broader context of Balkan politics.

This book focuses on Albania, North Macedonia and Kosovo; it explores the industrial policies currently in place in these economies and compares their effects with the situation in Slovenia, which is used as a reference country. It provides a brief introduction to some new industrial policy approaches and proposes a new industrial policy framework that focuses on development of the national innovation system through technology upgrading and increased exploitation of technology to build the foundations for sustainable development. Finally, it provides an empirical analysis of the technological capabilities of the manufacturing firms operating in in Albania, North Macedonia and Kosovo. It delves into the technical-economic properties of these Western Balkans countries and identifies some strategic options for industrial policy. It emphasizes the need for a form of governance that emphasizes on industrial development and innovation capabilities, which are required for the implementation of these new industrial policies. The analysis draws on the current industrial policy literature and work on developing (catch-up) economies, technological upgrading and innovation studies, which represent current academic thinking in these fields.

This book applies insights into the nature and impact of hope from medical studies and political philosophy to contemporary international politics. It shows how the promotion of hope was central to the rise of the West, focusing on the case of statebuilding in Kosovo – widely regarded as one of the most iconic Western initiatives in the unipolar era. The book explores the effects of hope on both the internationals charged with governing Kosovo and local residents, and how two related pathologies of hope – “wilful” and “wishful” – have aligned to slow Kosovo’s progress since 1999. The author argues that Kosovo’s current plight is indicative of both the West’s decline and the dark side of hope, vividly illustrating the perils of “bad hope”. Yet the book explains why “dashed hope” need not lead to despair or violence, and why local initiatives in Kosovo demonstrate groups’ and individuals’ agency in forging progressive movements based on the principles and strategies of “good hope”. Aidan Hehir is Reader in International Relations at the University of Westminster, UK. His research interests include transitional justice, humanitarian intervention, and statebuilding in Kosovo.

This book examines transitional justice in Albania, Kosovo, and North Macedonia, three Balkan countries navigating the challenges of reckoning with past human rights violations while building democratic institutions. Analyzing truth commissions, war crimes tribunals, reparations programs, and institutional reforms, it assesses the effectiveness of these mechanisms in fostering justice, reconciliation, and political stability. Drawing on case studies, expert interviews, and policy analyses, the book provides a comprehensive evaluation of transitional justice in post-conflict and post-communist societies. It considers the successes and limitations of different approaches, offering insights into their impact on governance, accountability, and social cohesion. A resource for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners, this book contributes to ongoing debates on justice and reconciliation, providing a nuanced understanding of transitional justice in the Balkans and its broader implications.