Citizenship and ethnic relations in Kosovo

Abstract

The article explores the issue of multi-ethnic society, by looking at the state iconography, the citizenship issue as well as ethnic relations based on Kosovo as a case study. The theoretical framework is based on the power-sharing model known as consociationalism democracy. Research methods applied here are based mainly in discourse analysis and in content analysis of relevant documents, literature and other sources. The inter-ethnic relations between Serbs and Albanians will be traced historically from the period after the Second World War, following with the dissolution of Yugoslavia and Milosevic’s regime, continuing with the post-conflict period in Kosovo through to the declaration of Kosovo’s Independence. Then different levels and diverse aspects of the relationship will be explored. The issues of citizenship will be discussed as relevant research topics. The next part of research addresses state symbols and their impact on ethnic relations and integrations efforts. Finally, the conclusions will be presented and summarized, including a brief discussion of questions of multi-ethnic society and civic identity in Kosovo.