Kosovo Conflict: Causes and Outcomes

Causes

• Ethnic Tensions: Albanian majority vs. Serb minority; centuries of conflict.
• Political Grievances: Albanians sought autonomy/independence from Serbia.
• Economic Disparities: Albanians poorer, felt discriminated against.
• Yugoslavia's Breakup: 1990s power vacuum escalated violence.

Key Events

• Kosovo War (1998–99): KLA vs. Serbian forces; NATO bombing forced Serbian withdrawal.
• UN Protectorate (1999–2008): UNMIK administered Kosovo.
• Independence Declaration (2008): Kosovo declared independence; recognized by 100+ countries, but not Serbia.

Current Status

Fragile peace; ongoing EU-facilitated dialogue; tensions persist in north (Serb-majority).