Independence for Kosovo: The domino effect

An end to Balkan nation states

Whether Kosovo's newly declared independence will set a precedent depends on national minorities in the region seeing it as such. If they do, a domino effect may have been set in motion that the international community will be powerless to halt. [more]

Serbian phantom pains

Macedonian independence will not be the last time the former Yugoslavia is re-ordered. Decisions on Kosovo and the Republika Srpska are still to come. If it is not to descend into crude nationalism, Serbia needs a European perspective. [more]

How Belarus elects Lukashenko

Everyone knew that the presidential elections would be manipulated. However, many Belarusians hope that the last dictatorship in Europe will end soon. [more]

The nation as side effect of opposition

Belarusian national idenitity and the language question

The Russophile Lukashenko regime could be an historical opportunity for Belarus to develop a national identity in opposition. [more]

Wars over memories

The impossible: A common history of Kosovo

Albanian and Serbian nationalists alike assert an exclusive claim to Kosovo. A short history of the ongoing conflict from the Battle of Kosovo to the current Albanian independence movement. [more]

Minority groups and the young Balkan states

The ethnic mix of the small nations in the young Balkan states remains precarious. [more]