Kosovo : the main challenges of conflict transformation

This dissertation identifies the main challenges of conflict transformation between Albanians and Serbs in Kosovo, as well as it describes the conflict transformation process. The most important aspect that this research identifies is regarding the fact that the concept of “conflict transformation” with respect to conflicts between the communities is about a process with a focus of finding accepted solutions to the problems that have caused conflicts between Kosovo Serbs and Kosovo Albanians. This process should enable the most important changes with the aim of solving the root causes of the problems as well as misunderstandings between the two communities. In order for the “conflict transformation” process to be positive and sustainable, the main challenges of conflict transformation which are mainly about the historical issues have to be dealt in such a way that both communities should come to terms with them. To find acceptable solutions to the issues that have caused conflicts between the two communities in Kosovo is indeed a challenge. This because communities have different perceptions and interpretations about root causes of the conflicts as well as they have different capacities of handling them. In this dissertation it will also be determined that, in terms of the security and stability, Kosovo's status implications are certainly of great concern for the region as well as for the international community. Based on the analyses drawn from the field research, countries of the region are looking towards a better future, a future based on security, stability and cooperation. The security of the region depends on the preservation of the stability in Kosovo. This would certainly enable regional cooperation among the countries of the Western Balkans and also it would pave the way for all of them towards European integration. This would open the prospects of a prosperous and stable future for the Western Balkans in general.(POL 3) -- UCL, 201