From autonomy to independence: the evolution of international thinking on Kosovo, 1998-2005.

The article provides an overview of the 20th and 21st century history of Kosovo, focusing on the factors which led to it becoming an independent republic in 2008. The division of Kosovo between Serbia and Montenegro in the aftermath of the 1912 Balkan War is recounted. Tensions between the Serbs and Albanians of Kosovo which existed throughout the Cold War era, when Serbia and Kosovo were both part of Yugoslavia, are described. The Kosovo War of the late 1990's is analyzed. Its aftermath is said to have been marked by a clear decline in the willingness or ability of outside forces to maintain the peace. Riots in 2004 are described as helping to bring on Kosovo's declaration of independence in 2008.