Freedom, Secession and Identity

There have been several moments that have changed the world. Some of them have been Secessionist movements in the world. The secession of East Timor was one example in 1999, that led to a new nation emerging after years of suppression. The world accepted this and welcomed the new nation. However, another secessionist movement in 2008 has led to the world getting mixed feelings. This one is Kosovo, the small part of former Yugoslavia that has been in the spotlight ever since the NATO bombing campaign in 1998.

The question here is about suppression of Identity and the demand for Freedom. The complication here could be that this could be the final burst in the powderkeg that has been Central Europe for almost 100 years. Kosovo has gotten recognition, but in order to maintain its position, it may have to face numerous obstacles, notably Serbia and Russia, along with some EU nations that have not approved its status as a nation.

The main question here is about Identity and that of the notion of freedom. The majority of Kosovo's population is Albanian, and they have been subject to harsh control by the Serbs ever since the early 1990's. The catalyst for freedom movement came the NATO offensive, coupled previously by Slobodan Milosevic's tough regime. The demand for freedom has been recognized by the US, UK and France with several EU members.

What makes nations want for freedom? The basic concept underlined here is that oppression was reached and the Albanian population could take it no more. Nations have sought independence because of bad governing. The same is true with Kosovo, although recognition is still on the negotiating table.

Kosovo is the newest country, but can it maintain its own will be seen anxiously. The powderkeg has dissolved, but there are some remains of it on the surface. These remains will be fought to the bitter end by certain nations like Russia and Serbia, in particular Serbia, as it does not want to undergo another Trauma of breaking up.