Chapter 8
In: Social Security in the Balkans – Volume 3
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Abstract
This chapter aims to examine inter-ethnic relations, social integration, and their impact on societal security in Kosovo institutional identity. It analyzes and discusses the level of integration of all society with Kosovo’s institutions. Qualitative content analysis was carried out to perform an in-depth analysis of relevant literature and documents. The main contribution of this research is to show that despite the challenges Kosovo society currently faces, Kosovars are developing a sense of national identity. Most citizens of Kosovo have already established “light civilian institutionalization”, i.e., a common Kosovar community. Regardless of ethnicities and religions, the majority of the communities identify with the Kosovo state, although it remains polarized on several social issues, such as the system of education. Most public education institutions are separate for different minority ethnic communities (especially for the Serb community which often resists participation in public Kosovo institutions). Therefore, society in Kosovo remains identified only at the state (political) institutional level. It is recommended that a more cohesive society should be created especially through the education system. Furthermore, a new agreement is required between the northern Serbs and the Kosovo government to promote more active engagement with Kosovo institutions and the mediation of the southern Serbs is essential in this process.