The Aftermath of War Experiences on Kosovo's Generation on the Move Collective Memory and Ethnic Relations among Young Adults in Kosovo

Abstract

Experiences of the past are very important in forming collective identities and therefore in shaping collective memories. In the post-war and particularly in divided societies, the politics of memory provides effective mechanism for ethno-political elites to gain power and legitimacy. The memory of war, through narratives, commemoration of sacrifices, and glorification of heroism is omnipresent in post-war Kosovo. Through articulation of war remembrance, the political authorities influence significantly also identities and political affiliation of certain groups. This research will examine the correlation between political power and war remembrance, by exploring the way they are emerged and transmitted in the Kosovar society. Moreover, it examines the impact of war remembrance in the generation of 1990s and particularly in the so called ‘born during the war children’, focusing on how these events are influencing ethno-political attitudes among them. Further it outlines how post-war narratives and memorialisation have emerged and evolved along ethno-national belonging, thus resulting in contested and divided memories, and failing to improve ethnic relations. The article explains further the role of the education system, through history textbooks in building identity and affecting political attitudes of the younger generations.