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Article
The Kosovar Declaration of Independence: "Botching the Balkans" or Respecting International Law?
Georgia Journal of International & Comparative Law
  • Milena Sterio, Cleveland State University
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2009
Keywords
  • Kosovo,
  • state succession,
  • state recognition,
  • international law,
  • Serbia
Disciplines
Abstract

This Article will examine in Part II the historic and political relationship between Kosovo and Serbia. This Article will, in Part III, focus on the international legal issues at stake, including state secession, statehood, and state recognition. Part IV will then apply the theories of secession, statehood, and state recognition to the Kosovar situation. Part V will discuss, and debunk, the relevant legal theories purporting to justify the Kosovar independence. Part V will also discuss some important political and legal issues that plague Kosovo in its near future as a new state. Finally, Part VI will conclude that other solutions besides independence could have provided more stability for Kosovo while respecting Serbian territorial integrity and avoiding encouragement to other separatist groups operating throughout the world.

Citation Information
Milena Sterio, The Kosovar Declaration of Independence: "Botching the Balkans" or Respecting International Law? 37 Georgia Journal of International & Comparative Law 267 (2009)