Dissertation Proposal: Beyond Geopolitics: Exploring Kosova’s Independence Through a Post-Colonial Lens

Working Title: “Kosova: A Post-Colonial Analysis of Serbian Hegemony and the Quest for Independence”

Research Question: How has Serbia’s behavior towards Kosova mirrored colonial practices, as articulated by Aimé Césaire’s concept of “draining of its essence”? To what extent have Serbian nationalism, victimhood narratives, and Western leftist discourse influenced international perceptions of Kosova’s struggle for independence?

Dissertation Outline

Introduction

• Brief overview of Kosova’s history and the conflict with Serbia.
• Introduce the concept of post-colonialism and its relevance to the Kosovan context.
• Thesis statement: Serbia’s behavior towards Kosova has exhibited colonial characteristics, including the exploitation of resources, suppression of cultural identity, and the use of victimhood narratives to justify its actions.

Chapter 1: Historical Context and Serbian Nationalism

• Examine the historical relationship between Serbia and Kosova, highlighting periods of Serbian dominance and Kosovan resistance.
• Analyze the development of Serbian nationalism and its role in shaping Serbian policies towards Kosova.

Chapter 2: Colonial Practices in Kosova

• Discuss specific examples of Serbian actions that can be interpreted as colonial practices, such as:
  • Economic exploitation
  • Cultural suppression
  • Political marginalization
  • Violence and repression
• Analyze these actions through the lens of Césaire’s concept of “draining of its essence.”

Chapter 3: Victimhood Narratives and Western Leftist Discourse

• Examine how Serbia has employed victimhood narratives to garner international sympathy and support.
• Analyze the role of Western leftists, such as Noam Chomsky, Ellen Woods, and Michael Parenti, in framing Kosova and the NATO intervention.
• Discuss the differing perspectives within the Western left, highlighting the support for Kosova from figures like Michael Walzer, André Glucksman, and Bernard Henri-Lévy.

Chapter 4: The Kosovan Struggle for Independence

• Analyze the Kosovan resistance movement and its strategies for achieving independence.
• Examine the role of international actors, particularly the United States and NATO, in supporting Kosova’s cause.
• Discuss the challenges faced by Kosova in building a stable and independent nation.

Chapter 5: Conclusion

• Summarize the key findings of the research.
• Reiterate the thesis statement and its implications for understanding the Kosovan conflict.
• Offer recommendations for future research and policy directions.

Methodology

• This dissertation will employ a qualitative research methodology, drawing on a variety of sources, including:
  • Primary sources: Government documents, news articles, memoirs, and interviews with individuals involved in the conflict.
  • Secondary sources: Academic literature, books, and articles on Kosova, Serbian nationalism, and post-colonialism.
  • Archival materials: Historical documents and records related to the conflict.

Key Theoretical Frameworks

• Post-colonial theory
• Nationalism studies
• International relations theory

By examining Kosova’s experience through a post-colonial lens, this dissertation aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics of the conflict and the enduring legacies of colonialism.