Kosovo & Montenegro : Why Different Outcomes?

Abstract: Abstract University of Växjö, School of Social Sciences Course: PO 5363, Political Science Title: Kosovo & Montenegro – Why Different Outcomes? Author: Mimoza Ardolic Supervisor: Lennart Bergfeldt Date: 2008-01-15 The purpose of this study has been to assess why the pursuit for independence turned out to be a matter of such difficulty in the case of Kosovo and not in Montenegro, seeing as they are two apparent similar cases. The research questions are:  How can it be that two analogous situations where two regions (Kosovo and Montenegro), quite similar in several aspects, want independence from the same country (Serbia) result in so different outcomes?  Why has Kosovo’s attempt to achieve self-government been such a difficulty?  Why did Montenegro manage to achieve autonomy without (great) difficulties? The findings are that despite the similarity between these two cases, they have ample differing characteristics as well. The factors detected are that whilst the Kosovo conflict is characterized by: a troublesome history, no common ground, an existing deep hatred, Russian opposition and the nationalist Milošević; the Montenegrin case is set apart by: an intertwining, rather peaceful history, friendly relations, Russian cordiality and the nationalist Djukanović. The interpretation of these elements according to the nationalist theory is as follows: Milošević and Djukanović (and their ideology: nationalism) are the real causes. The other elements are mere means to their ambition for nation building. The difference between these two men and the elements (their means) explains the different outcomes in the two cases.