Analysis by Nexhmedin Spahiu
This is a study that addresses Kosovar and Albanian identity relationships, highlighting the similarities and differences of these two communities throughout their historical journey on their respective lands. The study identifies the key historical moments that have influenced Kosovar national identity branding and concludes that the occurrence of cultural and political differences within the Albanian ethnicity since the nineteenth century has been instigated by the Serbian stance regarding Kosova. The study substantiates a clear cultural and political identity of Kosova, indicating its forthcoming solidification whilst keeping Kosovar and Albanian differences distinct, despite the eventual change in Belgrade’s stance towards Kosova. Concerns are arising from some of the voices in European diplomacy that favour Tirana’s official involvement in the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue. An analysis of the progression of their historical path, however, indicates the opposite, i.e., Tirana’s involvement in the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue would only benefit Belgrade and consequently have a negative impact on the compromises between Kosova and Serbia that the US and the European Union aim for.
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