Vetevendosje

Abstract: Vetevendosje is a Kosovo-Albanian social movement which main political demand is self-determination. Social movements most commonly disappear or get institutionalized when reaching their political aim. What is interesting is that Vetevendosje did not follow this pattern. Even though the prime minister of Kosovo declared independence on the 17th of February in 2008, Vetevendosje is still alive and vital. A minor field study was carried out in Kosovo with the purpose of creating deeper understanding for how Vetevendosje managed to survive the political scene of Kosovo. Interviews, informal conversations and observations made it possible to study how political opportunity structures have influenced Vetevendosje’s activities but also the choice of framing strategies, how successful these are and why. When looking closer on the movement’s history, close connection to the civil society, their different actions and campaigns, it is not difficult to discover why they are still alive and remain as a significant political agency in Kosovo.