The Powder Keg of Europe: The Countdown Begins
Serbia and Kosovo are on the verge of a NATO-backed global security crisis.
Recent developments in the ongoing tensions between Serbia and Kosovo are likely to be a major issue in the coming years. The appointment of Albanian mayors in Serbian-majority cities and the public outcry over the government's handling of mass shootings have ignited a volatile mix of concerns, highlighting the persisting instability within the region. Serbia, positioned at the pivotal crossroads of Europe and boasting a rich tapestry of cultural and political influence, has played a defining role in shaping global events, from the seismic tremors of the First World War to the shattering collapse of Yugoslavia in 1999. Given Serbia's deep cultural and historical ties with Russia and the already tense relationship between Russia and NATO-aligned countries in the West, the events unfolding in Serbia may have a significant impact beyond the region.
These tensions are nothing new. In 2008, Kosovo declared independence despite Serbia’s refusal to recognize Kosovo's claim to statehood. In 2018, Kosovo imposed a 100% import tax on all goods originating in Serbia and Bosnia-Herzegovina, effectively blocking all Serbian products from the market. This move was a response to Serbia's diplomatic efforts to oppose Kosovo's bid for membership in international organisations. The tariff war between the two countries has led to economic problems for businesses on both sides of the border.
The situation in Kosovo parallels that with the crisis in Ukraine, highlighting the danger and hypocrisy of Western intervention. In both cases, there was a question of national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and in both cases, the West intervened with military force to resolve the conflict. That said, the West has taken a different approach with Ukraine than it did with Kosovo, as Ukraine is seen as a key strategic ally in Eastern Europe, while Serbia is not. Russia, which has a strong political and cultural connection to Serbia, has been critical of the West's involvement in Kosovo.
This is not the first time the region has suffered at the hands of Western hegemony - the NATO bombing campaign against Yugoslavia during the Kosovo War was a controversial military intervention that was not authorized by the United Nations Security Council. The bombing campaign caused significant damage to civilian infrastructure and resulted in the deaths of many innocent civilians. The justification for the bombing campaign was questionable at best, as it was based on the claim that Yugoslavia was committing genocide in Kosovo, which was later found to be exaggerated and misleading. The bombing campaign also set a dangerous precedent for future military interventions by Western powers, as it showed that they were willing to use force without UN approval and without regard for international law.
The pattern has continued with the conflict with Russia regarding Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Following the Euromaidan protests in 2014, Ukraine's pro-Russian president Viktor Yanukovych was ousted in a US-backed coup in response to his desire to strengthen ties with Russia rather than the EU. These events eventually led to Russia's annexation of Crimea.
Advancements in military technology and the destructive power of modern weapons makes it increasingly imperative that the Western populace acquaint themselves with history. By embracing the historical realities surrounding NATO, we empower ourselves to shape a future that is free from the shackles of devastating global conflicts.
- The Shultz Report by M. Shultz