Kosovo’s State-building: Exceptional Case in International Political Practices

Abstract

This paper analyzes Kosovo’s state-building and its exceptionality compared to other countries. Its independence was conducted under international supervision through specific political implementing mechanisms. In terms of stability and peace, NATO installed the KFOR mission in Kosovo, and UN the UNMIK mission after the 1999 war. The Ahtisaari Plan, commissioned by the UN, is embodied in the Kosovo’s Constitution. ICO was in charge to ensure its implementation, while ISG was responsible to monitor Kosovo’s self-proclaimed independence. Recently, the European Union established EULEX to enforce the rule of law in Kosovo. Its political and legal model is “sui generis” and produces a unique phenomenon in international relations, incorporating foreign political elements inside the domestic constitutional order.