Introduction

Abstract

This edited volume is divided in three parts. Each one of the parts mixes disciplinary approaches and research traditions, and constitutes one thematic cluster, with a common conceptual thread connecting its chapters. Part I is entitled ‘Culture, Heritage and Representations’. The chapters in this part tackle various aspects of culture and heritage and, in a broader sense, identity and representations of self and other in contemporary Kosovo. The thematic array is diverse, ranging from the social experience of traditional and ethnically-defined cultural identities, to issues of representations of national history and independent statehood, to cultural representations of the nation in international contexts, and finally, to cultural encounters with countries maintaining limited or no contacts with Kosovo due to their stance of non-recognising its independence. Part II holds the title ‘Local Interpretations of International Rules’. The chapters in this part could be included in the broader academic trend of the ‘local turn’ in post-conflict peacebuilding and statebuilding (Mac Ginty and Richmond 2013). T hree chapters are included under this theme, focusing on issues of the local application of transitional justice measures initiated and promoted by the international community, the civil society contribution to peacebuilding in the divided city of Mitrovica, and the question of women and access to politics. Finally, Part III is entitled ‘Facets of Relations with the EU’ and deals with the complex reality of the Kosovo’s relations with the EU, which are hampered by the ambiguities produced, on the one hand by the lack of unity when it comes to EU member states’ stance on Kosovar independence, and on the other by the EU’s dwindling credibility due to its failure to deliver on its promises towards Kosovo. There are five chapters in this part and they range from the issue of EU’s role in the statebuilding process in Kosovo, the politicization of the question of the visa-free regime for Kosovars, to issues of the civil society’s contribution to Kosovo’s European integration prospects, the EU’s role in the Belgrade-Prishtina dialogue and Kosovo’s presence in the Berlin Process. In what follows, we provide a brief conceptual and analytical introduction to the theme of each part as well as outline the chapters that make up this edited volume.