Abstract
The post-communist space continues to generate new internationally recognized states while incubating unrecognized but de facto states. Recent movement in the Balkans-the independence of Montenegro and the arduous deliberations over Kosovo's future-have variously encouraged other secessionist people and would-be states, particularly in the former Soviet Union. This article analyses the impact of developments in Montenegro and Kosovo on several levels, including: their usage by de facto states; the reactions to them by central governments; Russian policy; and western and intergovernmental responses to these challenges. The article further argues that the Russian position on Kosovo and on the so-called 'frozen' or unsettled conflicts neighbouring Russia could ultimately backfire on it. Western policy towards both Kosovo and on the post-Soviet frozen conflicts will be best served by signalling to Russia, irrespective of the exact form of Kosovo's independence, that neither its own interests nor broader western-Russian relations are served by using or reacting to any Kosovo 'precedent'.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 269-294 |
Number of pages | 27 |
Journal | International Affairs |
Volume | 84 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Mar 2008 |
Keywords
- NORTH CAUCASUS
- ETHNIC WAR
- STATES