The Struggle for Kosovar Albanian Self-Determination

This project looks at the struggle over Albanian inhabited areas of the former Yugoslavia, especially the region known as Kosova to Albanians and Kosovo to Slavs, and the involvement of the USA, European Union, and Russia. For background, events are included from the formation of modern Albania and Yugoslavia in the early 20th century, but the main focus will be from World War II to the current headlines. This period includes the friction between the Yugoslav and Albanian communists during WWII over self-determination, the demonstrations in Yugoslavia in 1968 and the 80s, the Kosova Liberation Army and the NATO intervention, Kosova’s declaration of independence from Serbia, and Kosovar Serb resistance.

This project will also include timelines about the destruction of Yugoslavia, especially the wars in Bosnia-Herzegovina, and the treatment of the Greek minority in Albania.