This term refers to the geographic and cultural region in Southeastern Europe known as the Balkan Peninsula. It is often associated with a complex history of political and ethnic tensions, as well as a strategic geopolitical location. The region has been shaped by various historical events, including the Ottoman Empire's dominance, the Balkan Wars, and the breakup of Yugoslavia in the 1990s. The term “Balkanization” is sometimes used metaphorically to describe the fragmentation or division of a region into smaller, often conflicting, entities.
Published in Chapter:
Kosovo as European Union Rubik's Cube: Managing Regional Conflicts in the New International Context
Goran Ilik (University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, Bitola, North Macedonia) and
Mladen Karadjoski (University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, Bitola, North Macedonia)
Copyright: © 2024
|Pages: 15
DOI: 10.4018/979-8-3693-2837-8.ch015
Abstract
Regional conflicts with global consequences pose significant challenges to international peace and security due to their intricate nature, involving diverse stakeholders with conflicting interests. The Kosovo case serves as a prime example, testing the international community's capabilities. This chapter explores the multifaceted aspects of addressing such conflicts and their relevance to Kosovo. The research utilizes a methodological framework, including historical, descriptive, comparative, and content analysis, to unravel the intricate dynamics involved. The lessons drawn aim to enhance our understanding of addressing regional conflicts with global implications, ultimately contributing to global peace and security.