Product Description

On February 17, 2008, Kosovo declared its independence, becoming the seventh state to emerge from the break-up of the former Yugoslavia. A tiny country of just two million people, 90% of whom are ethnic Albanians, Kosovo is central - geographically, historically, and politically - to the future of the Western Balkans and, in turn, its potential future within the European Union. But the fate of both Kosovo, condemned by Serbian leaders as a "fake state" and the region as a whole, remains uncertain. In Kosovo: What Everyone Needs to Know, Tim Judah provides a straight-forward guide to the complicated place that is Kosovo. Judah, who has spent years covering the region, offers succinct, penetrating answers to a wide range of questions: Why is Kosovo important? Who are the Albanians? Who are the Serbs? Why is Kosovo so important to Serbs? What role does Kosovo play in the region and in the world? Judah reveals how things stand now and presents the history and geopolitical dynamics that have led to it. The most important of these is the question of the right to self-determination, invoked by the Kosovo Albanians, as opposed to right of territorial integrity invoked by the Serbs. For many Serbs, Kosovo's declaration of independence and subsequent recognition has been traumatic, a savage blow to national pride. Albanians, on the other hand, believe their independence rights an historical wrong: the Serbian conquest (Serbs say "liberation") of Kosovo in 1912. For anyone wishing to understand both the history and possible future of Kosovo at this pivotal moment in its history, this book offers a wealth of insight and information in a uniquely accessible format.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #215123 in Books
• Published on: 2008-10-23
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 208 pages

Customer Reviews

Short but informative
It tries to remain neautral throughout and treats both sides of the story evenly. However at fewer than 151 pages (excluding bibliography, etc.) it is far too short.

Rushed and hasty, lacking analysis
Tim's book seems to have been published in a hurry and as a consequence the reader feels rushed through key moments in the very recent history of Kosovo. Certainly not academic, and not trying to be, this book skims the surface of Kosovo history taking the main developments and facts and squashing them into 151 pages. I don't know what the hurry seems to be. Whilst I have an extensive understanding and background of Kosovo myself, I felt that that author treated the reader likewise. The broad facts are contained in the book but with limited analysis and linkage between the chapters. Having said that, the chapters can be read independently for snap shots of certain time periods. Inoffensive, not necessarily very fluid but an easy read for general facts on the Kosovo conflict and road to independence. Don't expect a deep or thorough treatment of the subject and you'll not be disappointed.