Balkans Initiative

USIP has been deeply engaged in the Balkans since 1996, starting in Bosnia immediately after the signing of the Dayton Accords ending the civil war, and expanding its activities to Kosovo, Serbia, Montenegro, and Macedonia gradually over the last decade. The main post-conflict concerns lie in Bosnia, which is still imperfectly at peace, and Serbia/Kosovo, the last remaining serious threat to Balkans stability.

As the Balkans head toward their European destiny, USIP's goals are to help bring real peace to Bosnia and help devise a stable solution on the status of Kosovo, as well as derive lessons learned from the UN Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) as it draws to a conclusion.

The Balkans Initiative is a part of the Center for Post-Conflict Peace and Stability Operations at USIP.

USIP's goals in the Balkans are to:

• Support Bosnian constitution amendment-making that will solidify the Bosnian state and enable it to play its proper European role
• Open the way for a genuine truth and reconciliation process in Bosnia
• Contribute to reintegration and reconciliation in the region and final status in Kosovo
• Derive and disseminate lessons learned from the UNMIK experience
• Train local OSCE staff on important conflict management skills

Highlights

Kosovo Isn't the Problem, Serbia Is
March 4, 2008 | Congressional Testimony
Daniel Serwer testified before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on the challenges facing the United States and Europe in the aftermath of Kosovo’s independence.

Kosovo/Serbia: Which Direction Next?
February 13, 2008 | On the Issues | Daniel Serwer
Why does the United Kosovo is at the threshold of a formal declaration of independence from Serbia. Meanwhile, in the recent Serbian presidential elections, pro-European candidate Boris Tadic won a narrow victory over Radical nationalist Tomislav Nikolic. Daniel Serwer gives insight on how this complex bundle of issues might play out.

Coming Soon to a Country Near You: Kosova Sovereignty
December 2007 | USIPeace Briefing | Daniel Serwer
Why does the United States support Kosovo's independence, risking relations with Serbia and Russia? How does Washington plan to contain the consequences?