UNMIK in Kosovo

Abstract

Abstract Kosovo came under international administration in 1999 by a UN civilian mission, the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK). This chapter explores the ways in which the UNMIK mission has played a critical role in promoting and shaping democratization in Kosovo, and identifies the mechanisms of influence used by the international mission in a range of political arenas. It demonstrates that the mode of transition in Kosovo has entailed a combination of a joint international and domestic pact on the democratic project, as international and domestic actors have frequently worked together to guide political development. However, while UNMIK has worked closely with local actors on the political transition, it has also regularly felt the need to rely both on the use of conditionality and, at times, the imposition of political decisions against the wishes of domestic actors. Overshadowing all developments in Kosovo has been its complicated status issue, which continues to present obstacles to democratic consolidation.