The “Limited Recognition” Problem and the International Presence of the Republic of Kosovo

This paper aims to examine the position of Kosovo in international relations. Explains differences between de facto states, quasi-states, unrecognized states, pseudo states and states with limited recognition, arguing that Kosovo should be considered as the latter. The author also points out consequences of international recognition (including the case of Kosovo) and shows the main goals of its foreign policy. A separate place was devoted to relations between Kosovo and international governmental organizations, which conduct “engagement without recognition policy” and selected countries, which recognized Kosovo as a sovereign state. The article is based on examination of primary and secondary sources, critical analysis of sources and data analysis. The author argues that limited recognition of Kosovo has a direct influence on foreign policy of this state. This foreign policy is strictly connected with security issues. However, limited recognition reduced foreign policy of Kosovo and made that this country cannot be a party of military pacts, which is crucial in maintaining peace and security in this country. The article is partially based on sources available at the Slavic, East European and Eurasian Collections and Services at International and Area Studies Library of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, collected by the author during the 2021 Virtual Summer Research Laboratory organized by the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Russia, East European, and Eurasian Center, University of Illinois Urbana – Champaign (Champaign, IL).