ALBANIA-KOSOVO | Could They Really UNITE?
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- Опубліковано 31 тра 2024
- There has been increased discussion about the possibility of unification between Albania and Kosovo. Importantly, the idea has been explicitly supported by the leaders of Kosovo's largest political party and its new prime minister, Albin Kurti. It also seems to have the support of the Albanian Prime Minister, Edi Rama. But it is an idea that is also extremely controversial and has been repeatedly rejected by the wider international community, including most of Kosovo and Albania's Western partners. So, what lies behind the idea of unification? And could Kosovo and Albania really unite?
Hello and welcome! My name is James Ker-Lindsay. Here I take an informed look at International Relations with a focus on territorial conflicts, secession, independence movements and new countries. If you like what you see, please do subscribe. If you want more, including exclusive content and benefits, consider becoming a channel member. Many thanks!
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The creation of an independent Albania in 1913 left almost half the Albanian people living in neighbouring states. As a result, many Albanians have long supported the idea of unification between the Albanian speaking territories of the Western Balkans. However, others are more modest and propose to focus on unification between Kosovo and Albania. But could this happen? While the idea may be superficially appealing, it isn't clear whether it would really enjoy widespread support. More to the point, there are huge legal and political impediments to the idea.
CHAPTERS
0:00 Introduction and Titles
0:40 Renewed talk of Kosovo-Albania unification
1:55 Background to Kosovo and Albania
2:57 The history of Albania and the Albanians
5:34 Why is there talk of unification?
8:25 Could Kosovo and Albania really unite?
10:55 Wider international opposition to unification
RELATED PLAYLISTS
Current Issues and Disputes • CURRENT ISSUES AND DIS...
South East Europe and the Balkans • SOUTH EAST EUROPE
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FURTHER READING & USEFUL SOURCES
Constitution of Kosovo www.kryeministri-ks.net/reposi...
UN Resolution 1244 digitallibrary.un.org/record/...
Kosovo-Albania Relations and Public Opinion (2019) www.osfa.al/sites/default/fil...
Kosovo: What Everyone Needs to Know amzn.to/2Ms0PDZ
Kosovo: The Path to Contested Statehood in the Balkans amzn.to/35jiBN2
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The Foreign Policy of Counter-Secession amzn.to/2Qinm5t
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KEYWORDS
#Kosovo #Albania #Unification
#InternationalPolitics #CurrentAffairs #InternationalRelations
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The subject of unification between Kosovo and Albania is fascinating. There is certainly a logic to it. But could it ever happen? And will it ever happen? Thoughts and comments below.
I will write words from Ramush Haradinaj ex PM of Kosovo a quote " Kosovo don't have any foreign politic exept what American administration tell us to do".. end of quote
It will happen. Albanians have long dreamed, fought and worked for it. In theory you would think you are right but you need to go and live there for some time to touch the reality. The leaders of Kosovo, and even the people of Kosovo, spend very much of their time in Albania and especially in Tirana. More and more marriages are happening between them, more and more businesses are being built by each in the other country etc. etc. There is love and respect between them as opposed to loathing, hate and fear between Kosovo and Serbia.
It should not matter what the UN countries think about the issue, it should only matter what the democratic countries think. Scotland could separate from UK, as Northern Ireland could, as Quebec could separate from Canada etc. etc. just like UK democratically and peacefully left EU. In democracy the will of the people matters most. Even the Serbs in Bosnia have the right to unite with Serbia if they wish to.
In my opinion the constitution hurdle is mountable if it is amended and if the Serbian majority territories in Northern Mitrovica are swapped for Presheva/Medvegja/Bujanovc that are inhabited by Albanian majority.
The powers screwed up the Balkan borders a century ago and they should help with all they can to make it right now. These countries have values that must be preserved, such as languages/customs/cultures, and that can only be done when each has it's own nation-state living in peace and good neighborly relations respecting each-other.
@@mendjelire8392 Nice story about life and coexistence for now when apsolutly nobody care about minoritys on Kosovo.. but if anytime anybody start to care Kosovo will have to change a lot of things for be acceptable in international politic stage...
I would love to see a real Albania as it belongs united with all stolen parts of us from all around our neighbors and yes but i think it’s a bit complicated. I mean maybe it’s better if there are two countries like Kosovo and Albania are really close to each other and we always act as one but maybe isn’t as bad in both being separated countries.
I hope that in the future when they both join EU won’t be a big deal at all .
@@thelastmohican741 sounds like serb propaganda
It would be interesting to see this type of video about the possible unification of Romania and Moldova.
Thanks. Great suggestion! I agree. I have been meaning to do something on this for ages. It would raise some fascinating questions, not only over Transnistria, but also what would happen with the EU. Could members incorporate new territories in this way? (Germany was arguably a special case.)
Moldova and Romania should unite as they are both Romanian and live in Romanian land.
Let's talk about Serbia and Republika Srpska👌
@@artemidadaki3787 ok, what of it?
@@khaybar6108 UNIT
I have actually traveled from Belgrade to Pristina a few days ago and I couldn't be more surprised. It was like traveling between two different worlds... Pristina seemed so much more "western-like"...
and to the topic - there are so many Albanian flags in the city... even at the official buildings
If by Western like you mean Turkey like or middle East like then you are probably right.
But then again, Turkey and Saudi Arabia are important western allies despite being brutal dictatorships that suppress all its ethnic minorities and political dissidents far more than Serbia ever has in its history.
Bit that's just western principles again.
Probably because albanians are pro western, while serbs are pro russian.
@@locybapsi174 Yeah, and Serbia's important eastern partner is Russia...
@@BubbleDouble Not more important than Turkey, Hungary and Saudi Arabia, very proven and distinct Western allies, so I see no issue with Serbia at all.
@@locybapsi174 Russia literally is the main partner of Serbia, one of the only ones.
Albin Kurti stated it pretty well... he said "is a country truly independent if it cannot choose what it does with it's own independence?" (referencing "kosovo can not join another country")
Very good point. I rather think the same. Put crudely, sovereignty is the right to end that sovereignty if you so want. But it is also understood that constitutional demands also matter. This is why there is an emphasis on this with secession. Interestingly, in Kosovo’s case, an internal route exists to union - albeit unlikely to succeed. It is the external political pressure that would try to stop it.
@@JamesKerLindsay I'm from Kosova, and we should use the unification as you mentioned as a means of pressure to get more attention on our statehood issues.
We know it's not the right time to make obvious legal steps like abolishing borders or having one president,
we will definitely further integrate economically and in all aspects of life meanwhile we have to gain total independence as a country,
only once we have all the legal means on our side, the unification could happen as a natural process (confederation).
Kosova (Dardania) has existed as it's own region for at least 2000 years, and most of it under occupations of different empires, We certainly can exist as Albanians even outside of Albania, but joining Albania through EU would be a most welcome scenario and it's only a natural aspiration knowing that we have neighbors that have and threaten to ethnically cleanse the region given the opportunity.
@@JamesKerLindsay I kinda wanted to point out that that line in the constitution feels (and probably is) put there by the powers that be "to hold albanians in check and under control" and that's probably the reason why for the Albanians this is so important. They feel like for too long other countries have divided Albanian lands and now feel like the time has come to choose their own fate.
I just wanted to share this small but signifcant viewpoint with you. From an Albanian viewpoint unification isn't that farfetched. Obviously it's something that will take time and isn't solved like that. maybe we get a referendum that'll be a start! :)
I don't really think kosovo is independent for that reason you just mentioned, and also if kosovo was independent there would be no northern part for only serbs, it's like serbia is in within kosovo, they have serbian number plates on their cars etc. Plus if kosovo actually was independent the border line on the map with serbia would be a solid line and not dotted, I think US and the Eu (nato) just tricked us the albanians that we are independent so that we would keep the peace and agree to it. In fact I think we are just a part of serbia but autonomous and self governed. Kosovo's independence is just an illusion especially to us albanians. Why doesn't the kosovo police at the border with serbia put their stamp on our passports but just the serbian side? The kosovo albanians give their stamps "republic of kosovo" in other countries it borders with but just not when it comes to serbia. That means you are entering serbia and not kosovo, and if happen to have a kosovo stamp in your passport good luck getting back into serbia from kosovo, since they do not recognize kosovo's sovereignty they see it as you've entered serbia like "illegally" or just without their knowledge. Just a speculation and my thoughts on Kosovo as a state. Ps. Fuck Serbia
@@JamesKerLindsay I don't really think kosovo is independent for that reason you just mentioned, and also if kosovo was independent there would be no northern part for only serbs, it's like serbia is in within kosovo, they have serbian number plates on their cars etc. Plus if kosovo actually was independent the border line on the map with serbia would be a solid line and not dotted, I think US and the Eu (nato) just tricked us the albanians that we are independent so that we would keep the peace and agree to it. In fact I think we are just a part of serbia but autonomous and self governed. Kosovo's independence is just an illusion especially to us albanians. Why doesn't the kosovo police at the border with serbia put their stamp on our passports but just the serbian side? The kosovo albanians give their stamps "republic of kosovo" in other countries it borders with but just not when it comes to serbia. That means you are entering serbia and not kosovo, and if happen to have a kosovo stamp in your passport good luck getting back into serbia from kosovo, since they do not recognize kosovo's sovereignty they see it as you've entered serbia like "illegally" or just without their knowledge. Just a speculation and my thoughts on Kosovo as a state.
Formal unification might not happen for all reasons you mentioned, but the border and customs between Albania and Kosovo are basically non-existent (people and goods move freely). Majority of Kosovo Albanians possess Albanian passport, so there are no limitations for them
So in other words it is happening naturally and silently
Паметњаковићу кад већ нешто пишеш, што је тачно, онда напиши како је то могуће али само на тим прелазима и границама. ЗАТО ШТО АГРЕСОР НАТО ДОЗВОЉАВА ДА СЕ ТЕРОРИСТИ ШЕТАЈУ ТАМО. СВИ СУ И ДОШЛИ ИЛЕГАЛНО ПРЕКО ТИХ ШУМА ОД ПОСЛЕ ДРУГОГ СВЕТСКОГ РАТА И ПРЕ ТОГА И ПОГОТОВО ОД КАДА КРИМИНАЛНИ НАТО ШТИТИ ТЗВ. ЛАЖНУ ГРАНИЦУ. ДА ТЕ ЖИВОТИЊЕ МОГУ СЛОБОДНО ДА ПРЕЛАЗЕ НИЈЕ ТАЈНА. АЛИ ТО ЈЕ УПРАВО РАЗЛОГ ШТО СУ ПОСТАЛИ ВЕЋИНА НА КОСОВУ И МЕТОХИЈИ, А СВИ СУ ИЛЕГАЛНО ПРЕШЛИ ГРАНИЦУ А НИСУ НИ РОЂЕНИ НИ РЕГИСТРОВАНИ У СРБИЈИ. И ЗАШТО СУ БЕЖАЛИ КУЋИ КАДА ЈЕ МИЛОШЕВИЋ РЕШИО ДА НАПРАВИ РЕДА У СРБИЈИ. ЖВАЛАВИ СРБИ АКО ЗНАТЕ БАР ЕНГЛЕСКИ ОНДА НАПИШИ ДИРЕКТНО КАКО И ЗАШТО ЈЕ ТО МОГУЋЕ ЈЕ САТАНСКИ СВЕТ ЗАПАДНИ ЊИМА ЈЕ СВЕЈЕДНО ЗА СРПСКО КОСОВО И МЕТОХИЈУ. ОНИ НИ СВОЈУ ИСТОРИЈУ НЕ ЗНАЈУ. БИТНО ЈЕ ДА САМО ЖВРЉАТЕ ПО ИНТЕРНЕТУ, КАО ДА ПОКАЖЕТЕ САТАНИСТИМА ДА ЗНАТЕ ЕНГЛЕСКИ. АКО ПИШЕШ ПИШИ СУШТИНУ СТВАРИ А СВИ ЗНАЈУ ДА СЕ МАЈУМУНИ ШЕТАЈУ ТАМО ВАМО!
И ШТА ИМАШ ОД ТОГ ШТО СИ УЧИО ЕНГЛЕСКИ КАД ГА НЕ КОРИСТИШ ЗА ПРАВЕ СВРХЕ. ЛУДИ СРБИН~
We are not neighbors , we are brothers , we are more than brothers we are one blood
Not sure a medical professional would agree with that assessment.
@@JamesKerLindsay "medical proffesional" , we have 1 language , the same traditons , culture , rites etc . Yes we are the same blood
@@JamesKerLindsay what do you mean by that ? That albanians in Kosova and Albania are not the same ? Or just tried to do a bad joke that everyone has different blood types and all that bla bla bla?
@@illyrian3415 Albanians and Kosovars who are of Albanian ethnicity are of one people, culture and language.
ua-cam.com/video/duLKtsyfDKI/v-deo.html
Kosovo joining Albania means complete border redrawing for Balkans.
Bosnian Serbs joining Serbia, Bosnian Croats joining Croatia and finally the creation of "Greater Serbia, Greater Croatia and Greater Albania".
No.
@@user-xj3ve7wt8k Then you understand why Kosovo can not and should not be recognized.
I don't see the problem. Yes, the borders get redrawn but the issues between the various ethnic groups disappear.
What about Province
Macedoniae !
It would be beter to be joined all parts again and given back to succesor of Romans Italy !
Bingoooooo
You stole enough to be honest this people where forced to liv with you ö. We never want this
I find the idea of a joint president and “unification by stealth” to be one of the more interesting ideas proposed. Historically speaking, personal unions (which I’m assuming a joint president would be) are very rare among republics and hasn’t been tried in a western style one since the Orange Free State and Transvaal Republics in 1860.
This is one of the things I really love about doing this channel. The brilliant nuggets of information that come up. I learn so much. I didn’t know that example. Thank you! The only sort of comparable case I could think of was the position of the Queen as head of state across a number of countries, and Andorra, which (half) shares its head of state with France.
“Unification by stealth” is already happening. It might take just long enough for a profound shift in Serbian politics that might bring in something to replace the myth of Kosovo.
If passed via referendum I can see most EU states accepting it, I can see Hungary, Russia and Bulgaria opposing
joint what with 3 % serbs in the country? Ehhhh, albanians in macedonia are almost 40% and they dont get fuck all special treatment like the serbs do in croatia, bosnia and kosovo, were suppose to treat them as if they are some kind of pandas ? For what reason? The 5% serbs in Kosovo rule us 95% albanians with iron hand from 1945 to 1999 and now were suppose to treat them as an endangered species ? Fuck'em !
@@ymarw1684 Bulgaria wont, because Albania and Bulgaria will eventually split macedonia amongst one another.
We not neibors, we ONE blood ! Obviously we have niebours, very bad one's, expanding in our land, becoming big serbia, big greece,big macedonia, big macedonia. Long live Ethnik Albania!
According to the US State Department, "Albania is the mainstay of organised crime worldwide and the main points of drug trafficking, weapons and immigrants in counterfeit goods".
Yeah according to them we are going to be re united as well,,, cry & smile in a same time!
Soon will be called Dardania and name Kosova or Kosovo it's goind to be only on your bullshit history books,,," Kosovooo was the heart of serbia, bla bla blaaaa😂😂😂😂"!
@@andirrugia1014 it won’t. EU doesn’t want it, US doesn’t want it. Only mafiosi like you want it.
US only uses you to get territory in that area.
@@AntonioSilva-hj8en loser
Please cover the possible unification of Romania and Moldova, it would be interesting
Thanks for the great suggestion. I really want to do this. It is high on my list. It raises such an interesting question about unification and EU membership. Would the EU 'allow' it?
@@JamesKerLindsay the real question is will Russia allow it? and what happens to Transnistria
@@robertabella1806 Simple Transnistria goes to Ukraine as well as Gaugazia.
Inside Romania there's no special status for small comunities.
But if Romania gives them a special status that would open the key of Szekely Land to ask for his special status as well.
And you know Romania won't let that happen cause they still want to diminish the Hungarian population living there.
It's like Romania want to piss off Hungary but they can't cause Hungary is strong so they will hurt Szekely Land People so by that way the can hurt Hungary without any repercussion. @James Ker-Lindsay
@@danielpeter3834 I have thought about that, in origin Transnistria was a part of Ukraine. But I'm sure the last thing Ukraine wants is another pro Russian separatist movement
@Ime Prezime what about the orthodox churches built over the existing ones in Dardania/Kosova?They may be primitive or strange, but you've been taught a lie since 1389 and it wasn't only serbs opposing the turks; if your nation could understand that they were others there before you, it would make a change on the people's mentalities. same in Romania, when Magyars occupied Transylvania; although they had a kingdom and left a lot of traces before 1918, they can't deny that we owned these lands before their conquest. peace out!
For the sake of argument, if this unification was allowed, there would be absolutely no way not to justify the union of Serbia and Republika Srpska. That again creates problems with the as-is very unstable Dayton agreement holding Bosnia together under a protectorate. This push from some west countries to redraw borders based on mostly ethnic lines and to suit their interests is in mildest terms a certain push into conflicts, a repeat of 1999 with this time a considerably weakened U.S. position is not out of the question, the especially exclusive stance of Germany in this matter not helping matters at all.
look your position is fine and its fair to be concerned about the domino effect but.... the status quo of what's been put in place isn't justifiable. Bosnia is just plainly never going to go anywhere in life. It was created to be a dud failed state. Are we to continue such a mindless existence because of fears of drawing new maps?
The west has only done precisely this. The unification of Italy and Germany along with with the Treaty of Versailles and Trianon did exactly this. Are we to say that, due to details concerning problems of borders that we should go back to the days of rampant empire? I am not in favour of this position.
Let's be honest - Bosnia in it's current state is not going to survive as a country. Dayton won't work at all for ever. It has also nothing to do with the Albanian unification anyways. It makes sense giving the albanian part of Kosovo to Albania, and the northern serb part to Serbia. Problem solved! Everything else is not the problem of the Albanians, Bosnia is gonna explode soon either way. And you all know that. Stop acting this will be caused by a possible albanian unification, because those two things aren't connected to each other in any way.
@@gregorsamsa2271 If I would moved into your house and occupied 20 percent of it, even that house has been in your family for generations, your land, things, you even pay me for electricity and all obligations, would you agree after we share that 20 percent of the house,and I stay in the house ... to divide your property lile brothers !into equal parts!..make sense to you?
@@milanfenriz4497 If you're helping me with my bills, or cleaning my house, you're more than welcomed 😜😂👍🏻
@@gregorsamsa2271 problem is what about serbs that are not in the north? Even while "kosovo" is not fully recognized as a legitimate country, the serbs are treated poorly by the albanians and what would happen to the chruches? Albanians dont have a particularly good track record with those.
Kosova and Albania were divided by force. Now it’s time to reunite and form the NATURAL Albania!
Very true.
@Nikoladin : Kosova was NEVER part of Serbia. Serbs are not native to the Balkans. They are refugees from Siberia (Russia).
@Nikoladin : Serbs came crawling to Balkans from Russia. Now Putin controls Serbia and has his spies installed all over Serbia. Also, China patrols Serbia with its security. Serbia is run by these dictators and serves as their playground.
@@HA-mn7si Kosovo is a mafia state filled with crime, this is common knowledge lol
@@stefandusan9629 : Are these the lies you tell yourself so you can keep living after NATO bombings in ‘99? 😂😂 Serbia is the criminal headquarters of the world, that is a FACT!
If the same peoples, divided in two different stases, want to unite and the world will not accept that, that's not a free world than.
Live and let peoples live their lives!
The world is made up of many countries with minority communities. In fact only a handful of countries can be considered homogenous. They fear that if they let one group unite, then what’s to stop their minorities trying the same? That’s the problem. It’s not about Albanians of Kosovo and Albania uniting. It’s about the wider consequences.
@@JamesKerLindsay how is possible that this fear was missed when they wrecked the Berlin wall that divided Germany Democratic Republic (GDR, East Germany) from East Germany?
Peoples, lands and countries has always changed and always will be the same.
@@stopinjorances2222 maybe becouse Germany give 60 Miliard marks to Rusia lets say in form of debt and in 1990 it was good amount for them
@@JamesKerLindsay that’s not the right way to put it Sir.
Kosovo is not a minority in its own territory! Kosovo population is 93-95% Albanians and the beautiful comment made by @Stop injorances is in contrast to what you saying for the simple fact that is that same world who divided Albanians and put our nation through the worst Miseries you can imagine by denying everything in brought day light and we still bear the consequences till this day.The same world that divided us is the same world that tells us we not good enough to join EU , we not good enough to join each other, we not good enough......
We are used to be told off but we still here and always be no matter what this Ill bias bigoted world says!
ua-cam.com/video/6aoK0_m3gPg/v-deo.html
I’m Albanian Malësor, from Montenegro and I support my brothers and sisters in Kosovo ..
Një bashkim kombëtar 🇦🇱🇦🇱🇦🇱
not any more hahahahahah
Respect to our brothers in north. 🇦🇱🇦🇱
Ju duam o shqipe edhe juve sju harrojm 🇦🇱🇽🇰❤️💪🏻
If Israel managed to survive and exist, Kosovo and Albania can unite despite the odds.
But here’s the problem Israel has a very powerful army , nuclear weapons and has America also has so many governments around the world in their pocket . Kosovo and Albania doesn’t have any of these things .
I notice that both countries can only really exist as long as America supports them through military...
@@LancesArmorStriking weird comment and based on 2000 years history we have been in war with all our neighbors only because they wanted to expand their territory! But we still here in our mountains and sea and guess what...we are taking back our parts 😊
OMG what a political nightmare that whole area is! -Thanks for your great video. It makes feel lucky to be a Portuguese citizen where fortunately no ethnic or religious tensions exists, and let's hope it stays this way forever, but for Kosovo/ Albania and all others involved, whatever the final solution, may peace remain. 🙏
One just cannot dismantle an empire in a nice way. At least not after the invention of nationalism. And in fact the more disfunctional the empire, the more messy the dismantling would be. Balkans were once a part of the Ottoman Empire and although it is not true anymore the legacy remains and is here to stay.
Devolve nosso ouro
@@gustavoforbes4794 idota, volta pra escola!!
@@Alfablue227 caminha aí, é só piada...
Great analysis James. Historically speaking, Albanian has never had aggressive political agendas. Since the creation of the first state of Albania under Skanderbeg, in the 15 Century, Albania has always sought to defend its territories and not expand as it is a rich country when it comes to natural resources. Sadly the contrary can be said about its neighbor states which have always sought expansion upon the territory of Albania. The problem with today's politics, is with the roots in the past. Albania was the first modern state to be "created" in 1912 and recognized (in a modern definition) in 1913. The most important thing to look at that time was the border that was drawn, as the now "modern Albanian border" was with itself. On all border sides, Albanians were the only population living there (majority speaking). They were intentionally left outside the newly recognized country, crippling not only the territory but also the population. That's crazy, but it clearly shows the appetite of the neighbors countries and Europe in general at that time! Unfortunately religion played a great part to that. Correct me if I am wrong, the gist of your analysis stands for the proposition that the unification would be a normal and good thing to do, but it might prove difficult and probably risky. If I understood you correctly, and I greatly appreciate and respect your opinion, to impede the unification for fear of how other countries would react, doesn't seem like a doing "what is right" but more like playing politics with other countries. My best to you!
lol. albanian angels. what did albania while ottoman era? before that you weren`t majority in the lands that you albanians&turks conquered like you dream of. you are talking bad over your neighbour countries, closing your eyes to the wars&killings that you did for centuries
@@JoviZapp before, there were Pelagians, who lived accross the Mediterrian, than Ilyrians, than Arberesh, than Albanian. Before the Slavs and than the Ottomans invaded Albania, the Albanian cities were par to European cities at that Era. I don't now what killings are you referring to and what Era, but Albania has never sought expansion towards its neighbors. If you look at the general papers released by the London conference, they clearly state the desire of Greece, Serbia and Montenegro to maintain the lands they invaded in Albania. They even state that Montenegro did a great job in a short period of time to get rid of the Albanians living in Podgorica. I am not talking badly about my neighbor countries, I am simply stating the facts. If you think that Albania and Otomans were one, you are clearly wrong. During that period Albanians were the only population which was not allowed to practice their religion, forced in becoming Muslims, not learn their language and not have any education. Anyway, dont get me wrong, I love all the neighbors countries. I have visited them all and I have enjoyed my staying each time. Take care
@@Flavor88 based
Show me ONE thing Albanians did to Serbs, just ONE. Meanwhile I can show you 1000 things you did to 🇭🇷 🇧🇦 and 🇽🇰.
Also Albanians are Native here, these are our lands, and if you russian pets (🇷🇸) dont like it go back to Carpathian Caves.
@@Flavor88 i believe the real problem is in the history teaching of our both countries. Serb here. Hi! While i don't know much about Albania a large portion of what many of your countrymen claim online sounds like extreme nationalistic exaggeration. I am sure that this is how we sound to you as well. I've seen documentaries that support your claims and also that support serbian claims. What needs to happen in my opinion is to have scholars from your country and scholars from mine cross-reference their data and determine what is the nearest truth. Firstly we must agree to examine all sources critically , especially the British because they have made so many conflicts in the world so far it looks like sport to them. Lastly, frin what i was able to gather from popular generic maps lately, is that our genetic makeup is pretty much the same. Only a very small portion of people can claim to have different ancestry. We are all the same, and we should all be able to live peacefully. I wish you all the best and i hope these conversations can always be held over a beverage and not in armed conflict. Cheers!
People in here obviously never heard about march pogrom of Serbs in Kosovo.
@Vojsava Eleni Qifsha
Interesting video, Albania lost in 1913 unjustly more 60% of territority, given to neighbor countries by London Conference, and in those territories ethnic albanians have many years being assimilated, even nowadays, in my personal opinion now its time to make justice for all albanians , a small country but destroyed and stolen many times during history, and still they kept their language (isolated indo-european) and their traditions intact, uninfluenced by occupators.Albanians must gain their rights and stolen territories.
The biggest dream of every albanian isn't revenge cause it will start wars and useless bloodshed but justice, justice for our Country being usurped and destroyed in the very first creation. We want other countries to understand our story and sacrifice 🇦🇱💔
@@gabrielsulanjaku8885 exactly, not war but justice
Not even nearly 60%. Even then Albanians were majority only in bigger part of Kosovo and northwest Macedonia. Thats far less from the lands that you claim are yours. You are lucky you even got Albania in London treaty since you didnt even participate in Balkan war and you are not the ones who forced out Ottomans from Albania.
@@biglebowsky6586 chekc history how many wars did Albanians have against Ottomans, and how many got serbs against the ottomans. Thants what I thought, u dont know history.
@@uneti463 No you dont know it. And First Balkan war wasnt one of that wars and thats enough.
But even besides that in whole 19th century there is almost no resistance of Albanians against Ottomans.
Israel should of returned the favour much earlier to recognise Kosovo as us Albanians risked our lives by helping them during the holocaust and by saving them from the Germans.
Israel have 2500 years of problem... we albanians real hellenic people have long history with jews. Remember greece was created 1821 Before that there was no greece or greeks just Some white albanians that Got mix with asians and North africans
Stop trolling you're gonna do to much trolling and you're gonna get blocked
Albanians in Kosovo were allies of Nazi Germany. www.albanianhistory.net/1944_Schmidhuber/index.htm
@Dottor Cisafrulli If you read my comment properly I said that it should of happened a long time ago.
@@user-wj5yz2pw5t Should of stayed in school.
As an Albanian from Kosovo, I would prefer an unification of Kosovo with Albania, but only as a state. Like United States of America.
Thanks. It is so interesting to hear the range of views I’m getting on this video. I agree that if it were to ever happen, it would be far better as a federation with Kosovo and Albania as two parts of the state, than as a unitary state with Kosovo as just another district of Albania.
It will happen soon 🇦🇱🦅
@@JamesKerLindsay that will start 3rd ww, better option from balkan is balkan confederation for bih, serbia, montenegro, macedonia and albania.
@@dusankitic5711 This kind of confederation will never happen. If you want this to happen, we have first to settle our conflicts.
@@kastrioti1975 Say me one argument for no i will say you 10 for yes.
Thank you and congrats for the video sir!
In our body run the same blood, border No border we still 1.
Love from Tirana
Support from an Israeli-American Jew!
Don’t go into biology and start with the same DNA etc. We know that. The issue here is how to stop evil from committing ethnic genocide and not what their blood is made of because they are not capable of thinking that far.
@@theklorg305 Support from an Albanian much respect to Isreal.🇦🇱🇮🇱
A lot of greek and serb pressed here let me tell u this it is natyral albania europe is a big B, 1913 in london the big european powers gave land to neighbouring countrys one year after albanian indepedence..
They didn't draw the borders following ethnic lines, wich was a mistake.
@@bajlozi6873 The ethnic borders were unclear. But not just that, those borders were drawn after First Balkan war and Albanians barely participated in that war. Albanians didnt liberate themselves from Ottomans and some of them even fought in Ottoman army like during the seige of Skhodra. Only a portion of todays Albania was under Albanian control after the war, most of it was under the control of Serbs and Greeks, so they were lucky they were given even this what they now have.
@@biglebowsky6586 The ethnic borders were very clear, we knew where our people lived. You also have to consider everything that happened before the First Ballkan War. We uprised countless times, we fought against the ottomans to finally have the independent state we wanted. We have shed blood. Albanians took up arms themselves to protect albanians in montenegro, even though the Ottoman Empire was going to abandon them. The ones that "fought in the ottoman army" were protecting their families from the advancing montenegrin armies. So what if some territories were under the control of Serbs and Greeks? They were invading us and they had no right to be there.
@@bajlozi6873 And we knew where our people lived. Macedonia and Kosovo were a mosaic of Slavic and Albanian villages, there wasnt a clear ethnic border. You Albanians only look at things through your perspective, never through someone elses.
Its true that you rebeled right before 1912 but that didnt gave you independence, you were still part of Ottoman empire. And its a fact that you didnt liberate yourself from Ottomans. It doesnt matter why they fought for Ottomans, it only matters that they fought for them and lost. Now you cant expect to get Grater Albania at expense of everybody and you barely even contributed to fall of Ottomans, not even Serbs got greater Serbia, not even Bulgarians got greater Bulgaria.
Serbs and Greeks had right to take everything they could, sorry thats how war works. But still Britain and Austria forced us to retreat and leave you Albania. Thats fair and realy thats the most you could get, you should consider yourself lucky.
@@biglebowsky6586 "What goes around comes around" Mr, you cannot stop what's coming - only pray that history won't be as monstrously harsh on you as it has been on all Albanians in the Illyric peninsula... not that I wish it upon you.
Thanks so much, James, for yet another very interesting video summing up many of the complexities that at least I wasn't aware of.
Thanks Dano. Always appreciated. How are things with you? I hope all is well.
@James Ker-Lindsay
All is well here, thanks - although we now see many of the new Covid variants appearing, but our vaccination programme is ramping up.
I do welcome your videos as a "distraction", reminding one of the fact that there are more challenges in the world than "just" Covid and Brexit, and pointing one to areas that need reading up. 😉
You do look well - I hope that's the case, too.
Kosovo uniting with Albania? This is new, but it does seem even more unlikely than Kosovo being recognized as a sovereign state. Looks like Kosovo will have to remain in political limbo for the foreseeable future.
This is New for you
Not for the other people
Keep up the good work man, like the other commenter said your probably one of the few to take 'great Albania' in context.
Also, do you think that the Balkans (West) will be redrawn one final time?
Its not Great Albania, its ETHNIC Albania.
There are many differences.
If we spoke about Great Albania, Croatia, Bosnia, half of Serbia, N.Macedonia and Slovenia would cease to exist. (Illyria)
Meanwhile ethnic Albania is where Albanians live in the balkans rn.
@@gigasigma8373 Illyrians we’re not Albanians. Albanians are not Illyrians. But then again, Greeks called themselves Romans for 600 years before the Greek identity was reinvented so anything is possible if you convince enough people.
@@alexmood6407 so you think both albanians and greeks are just artifical nations?
You are definetly a slav.
@@gigasigma8373 you’re definitely a fascist obsessing about ethnicity.
@@gigasigma8373 all nations are artificial. They are imagined community. Genetics tells us that East Germans and Poles are more closely related than East Germans and Bavarians. South Albanians and Greeks are more closely related than Kosovo Albanians and south Albanians. There are numerous examples like that. Someone from Prishtina is probably more closely related to someone from Nish or Podgorica than he is to someone from Vlorë.
Another great video! I would agree that this unification is impossible, Russia sees Kosovo as an American version of its own semi-recognized or unrecognized puppet states, and thus for parity’s sake will not let this happen. Serbia may take the chance to strike a deal over the new boundary, but Russia would likely be irate and use its leverage to make Serbia vehemently oppose the unification.
I think you are right that Kosovo is trying to leverage the EU, but it seems like given it’s extremely weak international position there’s no way Kosovo is joining anytime soon. However as long as the current situation persists on, some sort of multinational economic union could be formed.
Thanks. Interestingly, I have long argued that Russia’s decision to oppose Kosovo came after it tried to make a pitch to trade international acceptance of Kosovo for international acceptance if the breakaway territories in the further USSR. When this was southern by the US, Russia dug in its heels. In that sense, I agree that sone of the basic dynamics are still in place and Russia might be really unhappy to think that the US and EU had effectively ground Serbia down and got their own way over Kosovo while leaving Russia limbered with its own recognition problems. One gas to wonder if that happened, Moscow might just give up and annexe Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Transnistria might be trickier though. But perhaps Moscow could push them into a deal with Moldova as a bit of ‘goodwill’?
@@JamesKerLindsay That's what I was thinking...Russia could try to trade them accepting Kosovo's independence for the UN accepting Transnistria, Abkhazia, and South Ossetia as independent opening a path for Russia to freely annex these territories.
Did you read book's 🤣 off course that Albanian lived in Serbia thay are being on austro- hungary and German side in ww1. We not need Rusia to push. We all know that Kosovo is Serbia it's only under ocupation of Nato.👋
Albania and Kosovo are like brother and sister. But we are living in different houses. One day we will have one house that is called Albania because I;m Kosovan but in my heart im Albanian
Maybe u will live in albania after u get kicked from kosovo :D
@@turbo0329 i got kicked on 1999. I was in albania for 2 month i came back and i saw my house burnd and im not going anywhere now
But Kosovoar is technically Albanian, just under (this might change very soon) Serbian house management
@@Head0.25s yes if we became one state will be called Albania i think
@@ioniangaming it will be, or just “Greater Albania”, also I hope Germany unites with Austria to be one German country once again
As you said Unification between "Kosovo" and Albania, will brake Balkans, nothing stops Serbs from whole peninsula to demand a same treatment, and unification with Serbia , Great.......(insert country name here) is always bad idea, Balkan politicians should stop playing with ideas like that it always lead to war in the past, and not just wars but wars and ethnic cleansings, exoduses and multiple other crimes.
It wasn’t a problem for other countries to expand why shouldn’t Albania be allowed?
@@albodab1468 But they did not actually. Learn history
@@Tribalpotato why don’t you learn history?
@@albodab1468 why are U gay
@@teamoftheworhist5788 ask your baby sister
A complex topic explained in a comprehensive, yet very understandable way. Thank you!
Thank you very much indeed!
Why don't you make a video if the UK will break up?
Great suggestion. I’ve done a couple on Scotland. I’ve also been working on a script looking at Wales. And I really want to do a couple in Ireland. I just try to make sure that I don’t focus too much on one area.
@@JamesKerLindsay after brexit scotland and north ireland want back to UE and wales stay alone with england no for long time
@@user-yk4ey3xl9s Why would you want England to fragment further? There would be nothing positive about that.
Kosovo and Albania will always be united no matter what
Interesting idea, but this may set a precedent that cannot be undone once it is started. At least, not in good faith.
Though nobody recognizes it besides Russia, South Ossetia would have the same claims (ethnicity) to unify with North Ossetia (in Russia) as the Kosovars do with Albania. This may also inflame issues with Ireland's desire to reunify with Northern Ireland.
Is this a Pandora's box?
It is but people are always making exceptions to rules. I am not in favor of it but honestly, powers bend the rules they create all the times and don't look back. But it won't happen with Kosovo because, as you said, people don't want that precedent.
What’s up with the Russian flag you support the Russian genocide in Ukraine?
This is a necessary step for peace and stability
@@alexburke1899 bruh
I really love your videos, so much love from Kosova/Albania!
Thank you so much. Really appreciated. Best regards from London. :-)
U mean from Serbia? Kosovo is Serbian autonomous province
@Ritchie Coli Nah, he is trippin
You mean from Dardania Albania.
@Rrahim Ritchie Coli Are you Albanian?
For me there is a simple answer to all of this, if the majority of a region wants to join whatever other region, then they should be allowed to do so without any third-party approval or whatever.
If the people in northern Kosovo would vote to join Serbia then so be it. If Kosovo would like to join Albania or the other way around, then so be it. What does the Serb from northern Serbia has to lose if Kosovo joins Albania? Nothing. Same goes for Kosovars from the south if Northern Kosovo was to join Serbia
I never managed to understand this primitive way of thinking on both sides.
My dog declared independence of my back yard and voted to annex it to my neighbor’s. I hope my cat doesn’t come with similar ideas about the house.
Then you shouldn't call Crimea an annexation but a righteous return to Russia!
Natural resources in mitrovica (northern Kosovo) that neither country wants to give up.
That was a great summary. I think the only way the union can happen is by getting the approval of Belgrade. Maybe you should expanded more on the idea of a territorial exchange cause that could eliminate many of the blockers you mentioned.
Thanks a lot. Yes, I might try to come back to this. As I’ve mentioned in several comments to viewers, there is an argument that unification between Albania and Kosovo is actually preferable for Serbia over Kosovo’s independence. And I have long believed that a land deal could make a lot of sense. But it is widely opposed - often for reasons that have nothing to do with Kosovo.
I think is just matter of time. Definitely the broken puzzles will Go back where they belong
Bro Albania's original territory was from north Nish(now invaded by Serbia) to south Prevreza(now invaded by Greece), and in east was Skopje(now invaded by north Macedonia) to west Podgorica(now invaded by Montenegro) Kosovo was the center of Albania, but then the Europe superpowers frightened by Russsia devided our territory in 6 parts, just to make easy for our neighbours thirsty for territory and power to genocide us and to create their Big Country.
@@blockie9706 bro the original name is Dardania, Kosovo is in serbian, of course that unification will happpen one day but first we must change the name of republic of Kosovo to its original name Republic of Dardania
@@blockie9706 HAHAHAHAHAHA you Albanians are to funny! 😂 Догодине у Призрену 🇷🇸
@@lazarzivanovic6643 hahahaha you serbians are to funny , you only want to calim what it’s not yours 😂😂
@@abrahamlincoln856 Што тражите од нас да признамо Косово, ако је независно? 😂 Догодине у Призрену 🇷🇸
No Because then Serbia has a full right to unite with the Republika Srpska and there are other states that could claim the same rights
Republika sprspka doesnt have a very accurate terriotry, and is very diverse. But in Kosovo EVERYONE is albanian.
@@Gold26502 and gypsies ,montenegrins ,Serbs and Gorans are albanian too?
@@rajkokolompar7737 they are like 3 percent of the population if they dont like it they can leave.
if serbs try to unit with RS they will be 6 ft under along with their family members
What is a "Natural Albanian" and how does that differ from an "ethnic Albanian" and someone of Albanian citizenship.
-Noth American with an interest in Albania.
97-98% of Natural Albaninas are ethnic Albanians, which are native southeastern Europeans, Balkan Mediterraneans.
Natural Albania=Ethnic Albania .In 1912 Albania was bigger and everyone in it was Albanian but still in 1913 the London Treaty split that Albania in todays Albania and the rest was given to our neighbours leaving 80%of Albanians outside and 70% of the land too
My friend from the OSCE says that he "does not endorse, nor critize the contents of this channel" but he does watch it, so make of that what you will ;)
Great stuff! Thanks. I’ll happily take that. 😉😀
The Albanian nation was very much seen by the great powers! without any mercy he divided it and tore it to 6 States of the Western Balkans just to feed the appetites of Russis, Georgia and Serbia. This National Issue needs a quick and peaceful correction.
@Dozer Mramur Everything he said is true.
@@bajlozi6873 Hahahahab he failed to make a coherent sentence let alone say anything true. But what to ecspect from Albanians.
@@biglebowsky6586 What to expect from serbs keyboard warrioring
@@bajlozi6873 One of main characteristics of keyboard warriors is that they like their own comments, just like you. They also have 0 arguments like you, and they dont know propper english like you and the guy above.
@@biglebowsky6586 I know "propper" english 😂
An absolutely brilliant video.
Thank you so much!
Im from Bulgaria and I love Albanians. I wish you guys to united with your lands and be victorious.
You are welcome 🇦🇱🇧🇬
We fight with Bulgarians during wars in balkan with serbia. Brother ALBG
Thank you for your nice thoughts.
Ime Prezime why are you sending me this ?
Ime Prezime защо ми изпращаш това видео ?
I had no idea there was so much interesting stuff happening with Kosovo or that there was any discussion of unification with Albania. I think a great way for Kosovo to proceed is by seeking a confederation type union with open borders and dual citizenship. That I think in theory should let Kosovo citizens bypass the international gridlock while permitting Kosovo to access international organisations and funds via Albania.
@@ClydeAlb Don me punu me serbet ti? Jo ne jemi Shqiptar o vlla ska shans te punojme me armikun kunder nesh mos harro se Dardania asht arsyje e madhe pse shqiperia ende egziston
As an German with albanian roots myself and an absolutely supporter of an unification at least between Kosovo and Albania i want to thank you for this deep and informatic view of this high intenc political problem. Thanks !!
In my opinion this thematic is clear, in many points you have showed it:
If there is no interest to accept Kosovo as an independent country by international players and the Kosovo-Albanians have to slend and stuck in the limbo as you said it,
Then there is no other choise than a unification (not defined in what a form )
with our also albanian neighbor. In all political movements and ambitions for Kosovo there will always be Serbia to block Kosovo in developing in any case. So what a chance Kosovo have? What a chance the population have? Let the youth bleed out just like it is happening right know?
Question: how would any other ethnic group would feel theirselfs if for centurys their getting pushed down and shut up by neighbors around and by the own government just like enver hoxha did?
How their would feel theirselfs speaking one of the oldest languages and holding one of the oldest culture but in fact being treating like an marionette ?
Thank Adrian. You make some really interesting and important points.
I think it is vital to discuss what unification would mean in real terms. As I have pointed out, other groups have sought national unification only to regret it once it happened as one part then found itself in a weaker position. Two cases I always bring up (and I have covered in videos) and South Yemen and Somaliland. Both have found that once they United they were sidelined, but they now have no way to escape from the unions. I am not saying it would not work out. I am just saying it needs to be far better defined than many people realise.
Also, I think you’ll find that the Albanian experience is far from unusual. Across the world, there are groups who argue (often correctly) that they have been unfairly divided. Take a look at my video on Western Togoland for one unusual example I covered. This concerns 7 million Ewe who were divided from each other. There are many, many similar examples.
In any case, thanks for the comments. I always appreciate good contributions to the debate.
by "ethnic groups that have been pushed for centuries" you we`re not talking about turks&albanians pushing slavs&greeks . typicall albanian one sided view. even albania don`t want to have more ottoman population. i doubt that all albanians in albania want a unification
And that's why diaspora should not meddle in the affairs of foreign countries.
How can you be Albania and call yourself German lol wtf you are what your ethnicity is fool not where your born and raised
@@JoviZapp that's false, all albanians want the unification .
It’s matter of economy , all new trends go to unions , in this case the language and culture and blood is a favorable environment for more strong economy!
Unions are economically benefits at all but this is a geopolitic point and depends only by God!
Except the fact that kosovo doesn’t need albania for better economy
You just shortly mentioned repercussions that it can be respectivelly trigerred in the region although this is most important issue, but can you assess consistency of the following principles that was introduced by the west in this region:
- Ethnic groups in Yugoslavia have the right for secession from the Yugoslavia in republic borders.
- Ethnic groups in this former republics (mostly Serbians in Croatia, Bosnia, Montenegro) doesn't have the same right for secession from such republics/new states.
- Albanians, at the other hand, have the right for secession from the republic of Serbia.
In other words - every ethnic group had the right for secession from the country where they are national minority, except Serbians. Where is the consistency and equal right in that, and how would anyone can explain why Albanians in Serbia (Kosovo) can be independent and/or united with Albania, but Serbians in Bosnia (Republic of Srpska) can't be in the same way independent and/or united with Serbia? Is it possible to justify that?
Is this inconsistency and double standard - fair, truthful, adequate, sustainable, and will it lower or increase tensions and quality of life?
If no, who and why supports and implements such agenda?
no its just the fact serbs in republic of srpska dont want to unite with you and they arent a independant state. Kosovo is more then 90% albanian and independant and has every right to make a referendum to unite with albania.
@@gigasigma8373 it is the question for James not for you.
@@gigasigma8373 Why Serbs in Northern Kosovo can't unite with Serbia if we follow your logic? You want all land to yourself and expell all the Serbs am i right?
@@BlindManInsane Serbs would still be able to stay in the Federation of Kosovo. No need to exile them.
@@endri4316 Those politicians in Kosovo want to remove every Serbian presence from Kosovo. Yeah, people would stay but what about serbian historical and cultural heritage? Who will offer protection for that? And what will stop history revisionist to completely rewrite history of Kosovo and remove every presence of Serbian history?
Thank you for the interesting video. I have two questions.
1. How do you react to the argument concerning the historical demographic changes in Kosovo? Do you think that is related to the discussion?
2. I am wondering if mini shengen can ease the ethnic hatreds. How do you see mini shengen? Can it be related to this topic? Do you think decision makers in Balkan are considering to make a peace in the region?
Regards,
Koshi
@Beast Do you think Serbs need to leave from Kosovo because they colonized Kosovo or big Albania?
@@MasaKoshi That's absurd. That would be like asking white Americans to leave America because their forefathers took over Native American land. The only reason Serbs would leave Kosovo is because of the terrible economic conditions. Forcing Serbs to leave because they "colonized" the land would be an act of ethnic cleansing.
@@MasaKoshi Stating this as a Kosovar Albanian: Kosovo Serbs do not need to leave Kosovo. The Serbs living in Kosovo are living in their homes. And we should not become what we fought against in the 90s just to get some kind of revenge.
@@SuperSERBDUDE the united states threw 2 atomic bombs to japan and i watch today ..... Both countries have taken their responsibilities to build an unprecedented alliance! We must go forward and work together for peace. unification or not it is enough that all the Balkan countries enter the EU and there are no borders in the EU ............ total unification done !!
What is the point of uniting our countries if no one wants to live there because of the poor work situation? Many people have no work, live in poverty. Most want to flee to another country to find work, to give families a better life.
That is the sad reality for all the nations in the Balkans.
Governments should work on this. This is what the people of the Balkans need, a sensible job, peace and a better life.
Thanks Gentian. I completely agree! You are absolutely right. A lot if people are posting comments saying it just happen or it will happen. But few are really thinking how this will help the people of Kosovo and Albania. For Kosovo, in particular, it carries a lot of risks. If all the government goes to Albania then this will have a bad effect on jobs there. This needs to be really well thought through.
@@JamesKerLindsay
Dear Mr. Ker-Lindsay,
politicians in the Balkans often do not have a brain. They do very little or often nothing for the people there. The politicians there only fill their own pockets with the money.
Kosovo cannot grow while being isolated. Uniting with Albania would solve the international isolation, and furthermore it would give great momentum for the development of the Albanian state.
Very informative video. I like the way you report but i am more curious about what you as an individual think on this matter.
Thanks a lot. I am genuinely agnostic on this. I have mixed feelings. I can see how it creates all sorts of legal and political issues. But another part of me says that if they want it, then they should be allowed to unite, as long as it follows constitutional principles. But I am also aware that a lot of these unions have not worked out nearly as well as people think they will. There is a sense that just because people are of the same nation this will overcome their very different historical experiences. But once such unions are created it’s very difficult for the partners to go their own ways again if it doesn’t work out.
@@JamesKerLindsay hipocrat
@@JamesKerLindsay kosovo and albania will never unite, because them uniting essentially means that Greater Albania has been established, which will open a Pandora's box (e.g what will happen to Republika Srpska in that case, or what about the non-Albanians in Kosovo that were cleansed 1999-2004). Unless you are Israel, you can't just annex territory in this modern era (and Israel still has huge problems despite being backed by the US)
@@maksampece947 Although I happen to be a Serb, I don't deny reality as it is, and I can not expect return of Kosovo to our jurisdiction. But if you let it join Albania then others will have rights to expect the same. Self-determination as legal and democratic principle must have limits, otherwise there would be complete chaos.
If a exchange of land (Mitrovica 《》Presheva) happens then a union between Kosovo and Albania would happen, doing so it would encourage the Serbs living in republika srpska to unite with serbia, Albanians in west Northern macedonia would do the same and North Macedonia would cease to exist probably absorbed by Bulgaria.
I've just discovered your channel and I am pleasantly surprised. I watched a few of your videos and my impression is that you analyze things very objectively and impartially. I am currently writing a master thesis on how the interaction between international organizations and de-facto states affects their actorness ( subjectivity ) in world politics. I saw that you also have several published articles related to this topic that are very interesting. Maybe that could be one of the next topics for a new video lesson?
You have my full support for your work, it's really inspiring! :)
Hi Aleksandar, thanks so much for the kind message. I really appreciate it. And I am really delighted that you are looking at de facto and international organisations. And what a brilliant topic to be working on. I have actually done work on this subject. In fact, I co-edited a book on this a couple of years ago: 'The Politics of International Engagement with De Facto States' (Rouledge). You might find it useful if you have a copy available in your library. (Stop me a line if you don't and I might be able to dig up some of the chapters. It had previously appeared as a special issue of Ethnopolitics.) I certainly hope to look at this in a future video. Anyway, good luck with the dissertation! And thanks again for the comments.
@@JamesKerLindsay Thank you very much for your response! I've heard of that edition and I've already checked it out. It would be a great starting point for my research! Looking forward to seeing your next video!
Enjoyed the video! Greetings from Serbia (from a Serb).
I am surprised that Serb liked the video.
@@khaybar6108 because the video shows, how unrealistic kosovo actually is.
@Luke Srbin Kosovo je Srbija.
@@kingboymilan5927 in you criminal dream. Little Slobo.
@@kingboymilan5927 Don’t worry Slobo. Well pack your bags for you when you want to return home to Siberia.
Thaks for this great video respekt 😊🇦🇱
Thanks so much. It is such an interesting situation. I have spent a lot of time in Kosovo and I have always found it a really fascinating place.
Same intern monologe
Same language
Same culture
Same Dreams
Same „Happlo Group of Blood“
More then Brother & sister‘
Kosova&Albania: Steve Wonder & the Darkness 🇽🇰🌀🌀🌀🌀🇦🇱
Perhaps spell out how it would work? What sort of political system do you see in such a union. Would it be a confederation, federation or a unitary state, and what sort of powers would Kosovo retain? Would people from Kosovo be guaranteed a certain number of government positions? It would be interesting to hear how you see this working.
@@JamesKerLindsay the whole political scene should change first. They should fight crime and corruption before it happens. If this changes it can work perfectly as a federation. There should be people in power that put albanians as a nation first and not their personal interests. If such people come in power it could also be a unitary state without any problem.
@@JamesKerLindsay U.S.A Uited State If Albania
@@JamesKerLindsay hello. Albanian here. I think the concerns of some albanians living in kosovo regarding kosovo taking a secondary role are valid. I believe that a unification would be better in a federation type so that kosovo can retain its institutions and still have its own autonomy. The details are not very fleshed out but i believe there is overwhelming support for unification in both countries. As for albanians living in montenegro, as long as their rights are respected and they are not treated as secondary citizens then we will enjoy good relations with them and the same goes for macedonia as well.
...same lies
2:00 May I please ask that you update your maps? If you have a channel dedicated to countries and their origins, then you probably know that us Greeks are offended when we see the word "Macedonia" used solely as the name of another country. Prior to the recent agreement, the country's name was "FYROM" and it is now "North Macedonia". If you care about accuracy and you do not want to make the population of one country question your independent views, then please update your maps. Many thanks for reading.
4:17
This was a really good analysis. Subscribed!
Thank you so much, Veton. I am so glad you liked it.
Clear double standard. The international community, meaning the west, wants to keep the Serbian people apart while supporting the Albanian people to break away and then even unite.
An attempt by ethnic Serbs to unite will lead to sanctions and isolation while on the other hand an attempt by ethnic Albanians to unite is understandable and even inevitable.
If you can put one and one together this results in destabilizing the region further, meaning it will never amount of accomplishing anything. As the majority of people in the region will be unsatisfied. Meaning mainly the ethnic Serbs.
It saddens me to see how stupid we are as people in the region. But simultaneously understandable since the west interests seem to play into some of our favors.
At first you will get what you want and then you will have to dance to the tune of the master.
Don’t think you will get to keep anything, as you will all work in the western countries and other people will move into your homes.
Do you actually think the region will prosper wile your enemy is your neighbor?
Be good neighbors and support each other. Countries are something made up but cooperation and a mix of our people is a good thing.
Be smart although it’s easy to get emotional.
Thanks for the Video. Albanian in Albania, and Albanians in Kosova or ( Dardania the Ancient name ) it should become naturally back where they belong in each- others arms. This awful separation, was done, after the Ottoman Empire deal with the super powers at a time. Albanians, at a time, we’re not only poor and oppressed by the Ottomans, but they were in a survival mode, so, there power to become together was insignificant and nonexistent at a time.
However, I think the only way to become officially together, must be via Brussels, under EU umbrella,which means when they both join EU, if only, EU will open doors for both Countries, as well as for all countries in the balkans. In this way, will be more formal and logical, rather than creating another unnecessary, hot Volcano in the region. Lastly, it will also depend on the people in Albania and Kosova to decide if they want to unite or not. The Internal decision, it is more important than the external, as long as doesn’t damage other neighbouring countries.
Ottomans did not oppress people in Albanian such lies.
@@finalfrontier001 they took their children and made them soldiers prime example our hero Skenderbeu
We won t, here in Kosovo only uneducated and old people support this, brothers yes but we will remain fully soverein, like Germany and Austria.
@@cuorenerazzurro1661 I'm 20 and I support the unification and so does all my family and friends. Speak for yourself please.
Albania was found 1912, Serbia had Kosovo before that so u couldn't own Kosovo if u didn't exist at that time. Kosovo can't be country if Serbia doesn't agree and that will not happen SO, kosovo can be country only in your imagination.
Interesting...
Obviously you are wellinformed and understand the situation on the ground and handle the topic with such incredible objectivity and neutrality. Very Interesting, i like it.
With that said i think when a possible unification could happen or should be waiting for is a bigger worldcrisis like say a war or some big geopolitical shifts of any kind. Could be a war betwen Turkey and Greece or China - Taiwan/India/Japan which are on the making. Or EU collapsing when some of old Eastblock countries leave the union and goes to bed with Putins Russia.. very possible scenarios if you ask me. I think it is very important for Kosovos survival in the long run to unite with and become just another part of Albania.
An interesting pathway could potentially be a hypothetical future restoration of the Albanian monarchy (which has always had a pan-Albanian character, using the title King of the Albanians rather than King of Albania) and then form a commonwealth-style personal Union and ministerial convergence. Political leaders in both Albania and Kosovo seem to hold a lot of respect for the Albanian Crown Prince Leka II, and he’s been a consistent proponent of unity for years. He also has a strong standing in international circles with a lot of ties to western countries
Thanks so much. That’s a really interesting take on the situation! Something like this could indeed pave the way for some sort of confederation. Having a figure hard above politics could be a really interesting direction. But it would be interesting to know what wider public support for such a move would be.
@@JamesKerLindsay Indeed. As far as I know there isn’t really any polling about support for restoring the monarchy, though in the parliamentary elections earlier this year 2 small monarchist parties both got 1 MP each elected, and I believe a good few members of the Democratic Party of Albania favour a restoration as well. There is also the matter of the 1997 monarchy referendum, which the Albanian government in 2011 admitted had been manipulated in favour of the republic, and that the real result had actually been a pro-monarchy victory
@@LordDim1 It would have been the best case scenario for our country however the mad despots behind the scenes got their way once again. Unfortunately Prince Leka II is not in the same position as his father, in fact he is mostly anonymous and can walk freely the streets of his country without encountering major attention, be it wanted or not.
ua-cam.com/video/_uYuWKQ8ZwM/v-deo.html en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1997_Albanian_monarchy_referendum
@@McElvis1997 Hopefully the entrance of Legaliteti and the Movement for National Development into parliament last year can start to reverse it. We can only hope the house of Zogu can be restored. Constitutional Democratic monarchy is the way forward for Albania. I mean for gods sake, look at the complete joke the Albanian presidency is
@@LordDim1 Personally I wouldn't be against it, especially considering the state of affairs of the country, however as is the case in most post-communist country there are way too many problems to address: the constitutional process is totally rotten, the bureaucracy is complicit with the those calling the shots, the population is at the mercy of 3rd rate propaganda trash and it only gets worse and worse and of course many, many other issues.
Unfortunately I am yet to be impressed by these new movements, unless these well-meaning people have what it takes to confront head on those profiting from all of this they are bound to failure, as our very own history taught us many times, those in power will fight with everything they have and won't stop at anything to maintain the status quo which they profit from.
Here you can see what happens when the average citizen dares to raise his voice... ua-cam.com/video/NXhw_fG5kLE/v-deo.html
I like the fact that you are being very realistic, very detail and not holding any side’s. Well done and respect from KS Albanian
May I ask you as a Serbian, I am curious to know. What is your personal opinion on this subject? Be honest.
@@royalhaze4254 I think Kosovo should not be United with any country regardless of Albanian majority, I am Albanian and I love Albania, but I think is time to make peace and live in harmony with neighbours and Kosovo belong to Albanian from Kosovo and Serbians from Kosovo and we should stay as independent state and not listen to Belgrade or Tirana. This is only my opinion I’m sure lots of people don’t agree with me.
@@petritkrasniqi376 What if Kosovo uniting with Albania wouldn’t cause any unrest? Would you be pro it happening? I’d be down for a land exchange between Northern Kosovo and Preshevo so Kosovo could unite with Albania. We would’ve been United in 1913 if the great powers didn’t fuck us.
The unification of Albania with Kosovo should look like Switzerland.
Like a federal republic?
@@hoti47 Confederation*
Yes. And soon will be North Macedonia.
One of the best analysis about that problem
Thank you very much indeed!
There is no problem here. We are Albanians and we have 2 states in the balkan
Kosovo isn't even an independent country to choose if it will join another country.Kosovo is a rightful part of Serbia.
🤡
''Kosovo is a rightful part of Serbia''
Thats a very big claim my friend.
If you check the ancient books and maps and dont even belong on the lands you are right now.
And its called Dardania not Kosovo.
@@akselshehaj647 Ah yes, everything belongs to everything.
@@AcikaGamerSRB that dosent even make sense.
I don't really think kosovo is independent for the reason it cannot join Albania, and also if kosovo was independent there would be no northern part dedicated for only serbs, it's like serbia is in within kosovo, they have serbian number plates on their cars etc. Plus if kosovo actually was independent the border line on the map with serbia would be a solid line and not dotted, I think US and the Eu (nato) just tricked us the albanians that we are independent so that we would keep the peace and agree to it. In fact I think we are just a part of serbia but autonomous and self governed. Kosovo's independence is just an illusion especially to us albanians. Why doesn't the kosovo police at the border with serbia put their stamp on our passports but just the serbian side? The kosovo albanians give their stamps "republic of kosovo" in other countries it borders with but just not when it comes to serbia. That means you are entering serbia and not kosovo, and if happen to have a kosovo stamp in your passport good luck getting back into serbia from kosovo, since they do not recognize kosovo's sovereignty they see it as you've entered serbia like "illegally" or just without their knowledge. Just a speculation and my thoughts on Kosovo as a state. Ps. Fuck Serbia
Kosovo is Serbia 😂😂
Bullshit. Big Bullshit! Cole to kosovo and see yourself. We have own number plates own stamps everything your just talking big time trash!
@@targettheg9197 Shqiptar jem por fakti eshte fakt, ne leter edhe deri sa eshte amerika aty kosova o shtet.
@@II-wn3kz Definitely not, Sandzak is Dardania / kosovo
Thank you for the video it was very informative, I hope u follow up with other videos regarding this matter.
Thank you. Yes, I certainly plan to do more on this and the region as a whole.
The best video regarding Albania politics I have seen, straight out fact.
P.S: Thanks you for using the term “ Natural Albanian “.
Hey James , 1.Do you know what is resolution 1244. ? 2. Do Serbia have the same rights to unite with republika srpska and montenegro? Also claming Macedonia as old historic serbian land, and north Albania as is olf serbian town of Drach?
You know what? For you Serbia was entire Balcan, and to say North Albania was always Serbia just because the army was there for 10 years or something is hilarious. Lie to someone else but we were there before Russia sent you.
@@besimzekiri6165 No you did not.You cam with ottomans in balkan.
@@nnnnnn7159 Guess why this little Part at the adriatic/ionian sea was never serbian; just a little hint: It wasn't slavic nor turkic.
@@besimzekiri6165 your state and nation was created by Austro-Hungary. Until the 18th century, you were a tribe, without a common language, and you fought among yourself.I can imagine how is painful when you don,t know who do you belong.When you don't have history.Even your biggest national heroes Skenderbeg was Serbian.And even Albanian history scientist says that.
@@nnnnnn7159 Sad that you talk about history but don't know a single fact. It was common that people like Skanderbeg had relations to Napoli and Serbia, as well to Turkey and Austria-Hungary. But he was born in Dibër, not in Beograd. Secondly, you actually don't know that there was Liga of Lezhe what was independent. Never ever has this part of Balcan been Austrio-Hungarian. You were on Austria-Hungarian land, we'd been in Ottoman Empire then after Skanderbeg died. And, seriously, not a single d*ck said he was Serbian. Shut up idiot.
such a sensitive topic treated in a exemplar way, no facionalism, just perfect!
Thank you so much. It is such an interesting case.
thanks was trying to work out what happened to Yugoslavia
Thanks. Glad it was useful. Do keep an eye out. I plan to do another one on the collapse of Yugoslavia in a few weeks.
Who divide Albania has to unite blame Europe entire world knows Illyrians Dardania
Great video, well done 👍. Just one little mistake:: I prefer reunited instead of united. 10/10 thought.
Thank you very much. You make a really interesting point about united vs reunited. Interestingly, this comes up in other contexts, such as Ireland. While it may be a question of reunification from a national point of view, from a strictly political perspective - which is what I tend to deal with - it should be classed as unification as they were never formally united in an independent state. But often the word used is defined by how you view the situation. It's a really good example of how language is used to describe situations.
Reunited? If you tell mr at what point in history Albania and Kosovo were united I will never ever comment on this channel.
If you can not and James can not then it means that you are simply lying and making up. Just like James.
@@JamesKerLindsay When were Kosovo and Albania "united from a national point of view"? What does it mean at all? You know very well that they were never united (and never will be, of course) so you are importing linguistic construction here.
@@AlexA-ls4gc wdym never united, of course they were
@Agim Skifteraj Yes, as puppet fascist and nazi puppet " Greater Albania". It says enough.
And don't tell me to stay quiet. We serbs are not N. Macedonians... Clear?
Thank you for explaining it so well. Very intresting.
Thank you!
It would be great if you could do a video on greater Bengal like this one uniting West Bengal and Tripura with Bangladesh
Soorry we dont want to be with those hindu Indians.. we dont consider them Bengalis.. they are indians... Stayy far from us
James you sound quite unpersuasive on some key points in your video, i strongly suspect even you understand that you missed the mark by quite a bit, especially on the main question of the video.
So allow me to put things into perspective for you:
Could Kosovo and Albania unite? Yes.
Would that make ethnic and national sense? Yes.
Will that happen? Not likely.
Why?
Several reasons:
1.) As long as resolution 1244. is in place, US has legal justification to maintain its presence in a European country in perpetuity. "Kosovo" is the only "country" whose government can never tell US to pack up and leave. By recognizing unilateral declaration of independence, and maintaining the nominal homage to resolution 1244. US has combined both their own national interest, the image of legalism and (immediate) satisfaction of Kosovo Albanian political elites.
2.) In several waves of government inspired violence directed at Serbs (for example: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2004_unrest_in_Kosovo ) Kosovo Albanians have managed to expel a significant portion of Serbian population out of Kosovo since 1999, and most of those who remained, have clustered themselves in northern part of Kosovo where Serbs are the 90%+ majority, where they give, excuse my French, 0 fucks about Pristina government or what US says. In case of Kosovo unification with Albania, do you think those people will just sit there calmly and welcome Albanian border guards, police and army? Of course not, you would have a conflict. This isnt 1999. any more. And the last thing Europe needs right now is another wave of refugees.
3.) To avoid making this into an essay (even though i can give you even more points) this is the third and the most important point: US doesnt care that much about Kosovo, or rather its priority in the region is only secondary or tertiary. Its Bosnia where US administration (especially now under Joe Biden whose political career is tied to Bosnia) is focused the most. Now, if you know anything about Balkans, you will know that Bosnia exists today only as a result of sheer American willpower which had forced 3 nations - 1 willing and 2 unwilling - to remain together in a country which is essentially a forced marriage of 3, of which 2 are desperate to escape it by any means possible. So, lets now go back to Kosovo and Albania. If those two can unite, what do you think, how long is it going to take Bosnian Serbs to have referendum for secession from Muslim-Croat federation in Bosnia? How long will it then take Croats to separate from Bosniaks? And there you go, we are back in 1995, war, ethnic cleansing, and 100s of thousands of refugees.
Thanks. But I promise you I do understand Kosovo. I have written extensively on it. In fact, my work has even been published in Serbian. www.knjizara.com/Kosovo-put-ka-osporenoj-drzavnosti-na-Balkanu-Dzejms-Ker-Lindzi-133354
@@JamesKerLindsay I offered a different perspective, and yes i am aware of who you are. Often when Serbian media want to present American view on the subject of Kosovo, but using different source (or mouthpiece), they quote you, or use your tweets which cover a variety of subjects, from Seselj's trial to Kosovo.
Please do a video about a possible secession of Barbuda from Antigua and Barbuda, since September of last year the Barbuda council has demanded parliament to start talks about leaving the union of the two islands
Fantastic suggestion.Thank you. I have been meaning to do more on the Caribbean for a long time. It is a part of the world that I absolutely love and there are some really fascinating case studies from the region. St Kitts and Nevis is another interesting case (although this has seemingly gone quiet.) And the amusingly brilliant efforts by Anguilla not become independent is one of my favourite stories of decolonisation! :-) (I have long wanted to do a video on this.)
Where does the EU stand in this file ?
The EU strongly opposes any suggestion of unification.
I was thinking about this and how it could be a good compromise to the Kosovo-Serbia relationship
Great video. I have a question the Republic Of Chameria was declared a couple of years ago do you think it could be a viable state considering worldwide there are 500.000-800.000 Çam albanians.
Thanks so much. Yes, I rather glossed over the Greece element of the topic in the video. The problem I face when doing any of these is to try to provide enough information that it makes sense for someone who doesn't known about a topic, but not overload them with too much. (This is why they might sometimes seem simplistic for people who really know a subject.) I might try to come back to this in a future video. I find the relations between Greece and Albania fascinating in so many ways.
@@JamesKerLindsay its really good topic beacause Greece is still in war with Albania by law even both are part of Nato
@@JamesKerLindsay also a journalist in albania which does a lot of documentaries about albanians when he was in çameria he wasn’t allowed by authorities to do videos in the public, also he is now a non grata person since he attempted to find the truth about the albanians in çameria
@@irza010 they are not in state of war since 1987.
apnews.com/article/50877f835dd70ee26d7e17184f663184
The "Republic of Chameria" is so stupid. How you are going to proclaim an independent republic In a land that your people don't live there any longer. One of my Great-grandfathers was from Northern Epirus (Modern-day Southern Albanian), should I proclaim an Independent Republic of Northern Epirus??? No, because I'm not an ultranationalist idiot. Albanians should stop live in the past and accept that their borders are what they are. No nation in the Balkans got the borders that they liked. Get over it.
We, the Albanian youth, have grown up learning the painful and unjust history of our people. I was born in Kosovo after the war and I remember this flag in my childhood 🇦🇱 and not this other one 🇽🇰. We know that we will not have political benefits but we want this union with all our hearts and we want it for the future and we want it to be those people who lived at the time when Albania was united again! We are honestly tired of learning how the lands and our people are separated! Respect for making this video ♥️
Please cover the possible unification of Puerto Rico and Spain🇪🇸 it is very interesting
That’s not an idea being floated. Also free Catalonia :)
Very interesting video☝️👍👍
Thank you.
It’s going to happen sooner than you think
Good video btw
InshaAllah 🇦🇱🦅
@@albanian5130 Na jena Shqiptar jo Arab, e kemi gjuhen tone. Thuj "Dashte Zoti". Faleminderit.
@@bletrick3352 Jam musliman nrm që kam me than Inshallah,kshu thojnë gjith se gjysma e ma shumë e Shqiptareve jane muslimanë.Hajt Shnet.
@@albanian5130 E di vllavi jem ama ska lidhje, se besom ka kush thote “Inshallah” ama nese nuk thojm na “Dashte Zoti” kush ka me thane?
@@bletrick3352 un vëlla i dashur kam qef me fol sipas Kur'anit ❤️
Dear Mr.James! From my bottom of my heart, thank you very much for this video.
I'm Albanian from administrative Albania. I guarantee you that Kosovo and Albania will be one state soon. There are 2 mains problems that is stopping that, first one is that if Albania will hold a referendum for unification EU might postpone the full membership of Albania even longer. Second: the corruption in both states and poverty and weak army.You know poorer you are, more submitted you are. The Albanians politicians are so deeply corrupted that they don't sleep at night thinking what to steal next day. I never met any Albanian that doesn't want to unite so it's the free will of people and everyone knows what happen when people want something. I think it will take less than 10 years before this happen. With huge Respect an Albanian who is ready to die for Kosovo.
According to the US State Department, "Albania is the mainstay of organised crime worldwide and the main points of drug trafficking, weapons and immigrants in counterfeit goods".
@@AntonioSilva-hj8en same as Singapore during 1980...
Kosovo should be part of serbia , kosovo is very important to the serbs and their history it would be very cruel to take it from them😔
Do you mind sharing? I truly don't know why it would be important to the serbs and their history. Thnx
@Edi Ahm I dont like to make assumptions. I would like the person who made the statement to explain what he/she meant by that. I think he has nothing to say, just expressed his subjective political views. I highly suspect it is not about what you said but it could be. The majority of the people in Kosova identify themselves as Muslims but nobody really care about religion when it comes to Albanians. Only Europeans define themselves based on religion...
It would be cruel to also tell kids that Santa isn't real, but yet here we are
Një komb një flamur sa më shpejt🇦🇱🇦🇱🇦🇱
Good. Video well Done ✅
Thank you very much!
KOSOVO IS SERBIA
4EVERE
Modern borders are pretty locked in the Balkans for better or worse and changing any of them is opening a can of worms. Any redrawing of borders will be messy, might encourage terrorists, population exchanges, family breakups, tears, and diplomatic issues. All of the Balkans joining NATO and the EU would enable peace, freedom of movement, and trade and solve many of these issues. Effectively giving them most of the benefits of being one nation like Yugoslavia again, without the messy ethnicity issues and without infringing sovereignty. Most of the former Yugoslavian countries and the Balkans are already part of Nato, most recently with North Macedonia, Montenegro, Croatia and Albania. Croatia is also part of the EU.
The only countries which are really messy or struggling at the moment are the Kosovo region and Bosnia which is, of course, split among Serbs, Croats, and Bosniaks, but even there it is not like all the Serbs and Croat republics border the respective countries.
True talk Respect for good peopel who speak truth 🇦🇱🇽🇰
And the truth is really spoken. There is no unification between Kosovo and Albania. By the way Kosovo is nice Serbian word. 🇷🇸
@@lightbulbchannel721 By the way kosovo its nice Albanian land
@@gentmeshi5664 Dark times mate, but light is always in the end.😉
@@lightbulbchannel721 Always its light and one day gone come a black day 😜
Great video! I think that an ethnostate is a bad idea in general, even more so in a region as diverse as Southeastern Europe. Of course as you mentioned, it is not likely that this sort of unification will happen any time in the near future.
Yes, I think there is an attempt to press the case for multiethnic states. The trouble is that this has bene done unevenly. Many would argue that if this was really the intention of the international community, then Kosovo - as a province of Serbia - should have been given autonomy within Serbia, in the same way that Republic Srprska has had to accept autonomy within Bosnia. Also, while Kosovo was allowed to become independent on the basis of Serb atrocities, where was the intervention and support for an independent Serbia state of Krajina in Croatia when Zagreb launched a campaign of ethnic cleansing to end their attempted secession. Of course, the reality is that finding a way to keep Kosovo in Serbia was not really feasible after 1999, but one can see why Serbs argue that there has been double standards at play.
@@JamesKerLindsay and then what double standards serbs are talking about?? when the Albanian nation was separated into 5 different countries..based on what international law this thing happened?? those who have made this mess on what moral legal or divine right are they based?? if we follow the Serbian logic then with what right the european powers of the time together with russia they attacked the ottoman empire to create countries like serbia ?? even the Italians can claim that the Balkan belongs to the Roman Empire??? what is this comedy?? peoples do not have the right to choose their destiny especially if they are indigenous?? the Serbs know that the real ancient Albanian name of kosovo is Dardania??
@@JamesKerLindsay anyway i ask you a question have you ever heard of cubrillovic's plan?? or about Nacertania?? you are familiar with these ideologies and plans ?? so what Milosevic did is only the last episode of a Pan-Slavist plan to ethnically clean the Balkan from the Albanians and I'm not just talking about kosovo their plan was to go as far as durres...and i think you know very well who is behind serbia and which country uses serbia and the other slavs to satisfy their geostrategic needs in balkans
@@lagjescuni5482 This "Albanian nation" you're talking about did not exist before the 19th century - and neither did any nation for that matter. Then why don't we go find some Neanderthals and give the Balkan to them, since they were indigenous before Homo Sapiens came? Or how about the pre-indo-european folk? What exact point of time should we choose? Find better arguments, nobody cares about claims like these, it's exactly the same as saying Albanians migrated to Balkan from the Caucasus during the Ottoman rule. You are not Illyrians, you are not Dardanians, you are Albanians. Serbs are Illyrians just as much as Albanians are Illyrians.
@@RottenFlag the Albanians have lived in these territories since the day when the Indo-European tribes arrived in Europe lool... instead you Serbs are a bunch of Iranian tribes slavicized here in the Balkans at least this is what the majority of scholars affirm then you are mixed with Albanians Bulgars Avars Magyars and many others...you know how many Albanian Catholic tribes have been slavized during the centuries?? where are the Catholic Albanian tribes and the Catholic churches in the area of ex yougoslavia who ate them??
having a close family member of mine in the parliament of kosovo the idea of presheva valley and medvegja joining kosovo and then giving northern kosovo to serbia was proposed so that kosovo afterwards could join albania is what was told to me after a meeting was held between ramush haradinaj, edi rama and hashim thaci and is something only few people know about. reunification of albanian lands is bound to happen as the longer we stay away from each other the more the desire increases to be one.
Thanks a lot. I can well believe it. I had heard the same. I could well see a deal where Serbian MPs vote to change the constitution to allow Kosovo to hold a referendum on unification as part of a comprehensive deal that would involve such land swaps. This might explain the very strong opposition to any talk of territorial transfers in many -though certainly not all - European capitals.
@@JamesKerLindsay yes, the thing is that serbia will never recognise Kosovo as a sovereign state but there is the possibility that they would accept it as a part of albania if they do get nothern kosovo and most likely republika serpska in bosnia. we will have to wait and see but from what i hear every time i do go back to kosovo on visits is the desire to finally be a part of albania
It is so interesting you say this. I have also heard the same. In fact a very senior Serbian political figure told me this. It is easier for Serbia to accept Kosovo as part of Albania than as an independent state - for all sorts of reasons. I thought to discuss this in this video, but decided to leave it out. But I might come back to it. Not many seem to buy into this view, but it certainly makes sense to me. Interesting to hear someone else say it.
@@JamesKerLindsay I feel that the reason why serbia wouldn’t like to see kosovo independent is due to the fact of them not wanting to see kosovo prosper on its own. I feel as if it’s bound to happen one day as i said earlier. It would be better off if kosovo was a part of albania as we are one people the only thing separating us is the border and the accents we have whilst speaking albanian. a unified kosovo and albania would prosper i think due to the investment of the diaspora into the nation and building the infrastructure. tourism is another thing aswell and i feel that there is only good things to come for albanians and the all of the balkans
Why the hell would we swap mitrovica which is and always was inhabited by Albanians and a territory of Albanian which is part of Kosova also rich in natural resources witu presheva Valley which is not rich in natrual resources. Serbs want mitrovica only for that reason. All these territories should be part of Kosova. They're all inhabited by Albanians. Even Mitrovica was until people were being expelled.
Mr James Ker-Lindsay thank you for internationals Kosovo history. Europe in the past hostorikly was very cruel to Albanian nation that's why Albenians today live in four different countries. In Montenegro 100 thousand,in Serbia 300 thousand in sanxhak and 300 thousand in Preshevo,Medvegj,And Bujanoc.in Macedonia 50%of population is Albanians in Greece 4 million Albanians,who call themselves Arvanitas in all this states they are discriminated beyond human comprehension. So I advice you Mr James please take history of Albanians more seriously. Because to talk for history of Albanians it's to reflect to world great injustice was done to one nation by European countries. Thank you.
It is fortunate that these decisions are made by powers higher than those of UA-cam commentators.
Kosovo je Serbia
😂😂😂😂😂 Funny story ... kosovo is Serbia
@Ergon Cakiqi never
. Kosovo is albania and it will stay like that for decades
@@knightrider298 haha you are funny .. kosova eshte Serbi
@@donbrasco676 nope
Why should the albanian people be allowed to be united, but not serbian people? The west is just made up of hypocrites.
@Balsha well the only official documents about kosovo are kumanovo agreement and resolution 1244 bith state that kosovo is a serbian province, but because our western overlords decide, we dont have a say, they talk about destroying republika srpska every day while we honor the dayton agreement.
@Balsha I love how albanians dance around certain points when it doesnt fit them. Serbia is the successor of what was then yugoslavia. In all yugoslavias kosovo was a part of serbia. It was at most an autonomous province of SERBIA and 1244 states that it should remain a southern province. People are so quick to defend "kosovo" but will forget about how albanians tried the same thing with macedonia, but because macedonia is poor the west and US in particular didnt care.
Very interesting video. Re the section 10:29 - 10:47 - It doesn't at all change your very good analysis & conclusions, but my understanding would be that it would require only 4 ethnic Serbs to support it (not 6), if I understood the premise correctly, on the following basis: 20 members of the minority-reserved-seats (of which 10 ethnic Serb and 10 ethnic non-Serb); two-thirds of 20 needed = 13.333; forced to round up (rather than round to nearest), so as to ensure not falling at all short of the two-thirds requirement = 14 needed; if all 10 ethnic non-Serbs support it then "only" 4 of the 10 ethnic Serbs would be needed.
Great point! You are right.
The problem is that Serbia would attack both places if they did as well and Montenegro and maybe even Russia so yea