<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">

<p>This study examines the complex and dynamic relationship between Kosovo and NATO. It argues that Kosovo’s prospects for NATO membership are shaped by an array of contradictory and often confusing international and domestic political forces. It draws on theoretical sources, media reports, and descriptive statistical data to the factors shaping expectations for NATO membership. The study relies on theories and concepts from the established and evolving literature on alliance formation and expansion to explain how states aspiring for membership in security organizations must navigate a pattern of political and security hurdles in their quest for membership accession. It then explores Kosovo’s case for NATO membership by examining whether Kosovo has met key political and security benchmarks and devotes significant attention to the settlement dispute with Serbia, the roles played by the U.S. and E.U., and identifies alternative paths for Kosovo’s membership in NATO.</p>
</abstract>

This study examines the complex and dynamic relationship between Kosovo and NATO. It argues that Kosovo’s prospects for NATO membership are shaped by an array of contradictory and often confusing international and domestic political forces. It draws on theoretical sources, media reports, and descriptive statistical data to the factors shaping expectations for NATO membership. The study relies on theories and concepts from the established and evolving literature on alliance formation and expansion to explain how states aspiring for membership in security organizations must navigate a pattern of political and security hurdles in their quest for membership accession. It then explores Kosovo’s case for NATO membership by examining whether Kosovo has met key political and security benchmarks and devotes significant attention to the settlement dispute with Serbia, the roles played by the U.S. and E.U., and identifies alternative paths for Kosovo’s membership in NATO.

International and Domestic Factors Shaping Kosovo’s Euro-Atlantic Integration

University of Prishtina, and Executive Director of the Centre for Political Courage (CPC)

SEEU Review

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

This study examines the complex and dynamic relationship between Kosovo and NATO. It argues that Kosovo’s prospects for NATO membership are shaped by an array...

International and Domestic Factors Shaping Kosovo’s Euro-Atlantic Integration

Published Online: Dec 30, 2022

Page range: 49 - 70

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/seeur-2022-0061

Keywords
NATO, Euro-Atlantic integration, Kosovo, Serbia, Western Balkans

© 2022 Chris J. Dolan et al., published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

International and Domestic Factors Shaping Kosovo’s Euro-Atlantic Integration

Published Online: Dec 30, 2022

Page range: 49 - 70

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/seeur-2022-0061

KeywordsNATO, Euro-Atlantic integration, Kosovo, Serbia, Western Balkans

© 2022 Chris J. Dolan et al., published by Sciendo

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Keywords
NATO, Euro-Atlantic integration, Kosovo, Serbia, Western Balkans