National Identity of Kosovo

The aim of paper is to explore the identity formation process of Kosovo and Albania. Kosovo and Albania have a long-shared national identity because of a common ethnicity and history. The independence of Kosovo in 2008 has generated a debate about whether there is a new-born national identity of Kosovo — Kosovar. This thesis explores the implications that the process of state-building in Kosovo has on the Albanian identity of its population. In order to do so, the paper takes into analysis the impact that the invasions, international mechanisms, and independence had on the national identity. The analysis is done from the constructivist perspective. The methodology is qualitative and uses in-depth interviews with experts and discourse analysis. The thesis of this dissertation is that if the state of Kosovo becomes a successful state, this can further strengthen the state identity. This empowered identity can later bring new layers to the existing Albanian identity.