Fuzzy Governance: State-Building in Kosovo Since 1999 as Interaction Between International and Local Actors

State-building in Kosovo is a negotiation process between “internationals” and “locals.” Its logic is more political than technical, the outcome contingent on the intentions of the international actors. The goals of “internationals” and “locals” differ, which results in fuzzy governance. In time the balance of power tilts toward the local actors. With the start of the status process, the relation between internationals and locals is depoliticized. The “peacebuilding” process excludes the warring parties and imposes a predefined settlement. This historical approach offers an alternative to the dominant literature, which often overlooks what really happens when state-builders are in action.