10. Gëzim Visoka (2019), ‘International Statebuilding and Local Resistance in Kosovo’, in Gëzim Visoka and Vjosa Musliu (eds) Unravelling Liberal Interventionism: Local Critiques of Statebuilding in Kosovo, London: Routledge, pp. 21-38.
Resistance to international statebuilding has recently emerged as one of the key themes in critical peace and conflict studies. This chapter critically examines the role and impact of local resistance in Kosovo. It explores the dynamics of local resistance there, the fluid repertoire of contentious politics, and their impact on statebuilding and peacebuilding. To examine the impact of local resistance in Kosovo, this chapter explores the discourses, politics and practices of Lëvizja Vetëvendosje (LVV) (Movement for Self-determination!), which has emerged as the most organised and durable critical social movement in post-conflict Kosovo. The analysis in this chapter shows that although local resistance does have the potential to counter-balance and challenge the power of liberal interventionism, and reduce the popularity of ethno-nationalist structures, it can also trigger harmful, peace-breaking dynamics. Accordingly, the chapter seeks to contribute to the pluralisation of critical peace and conflict studies by demonstrating the importance of speaking truth to resistance as much as speaking truth to power.
Link: https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/e/9780429507649/chapters/10.4324/9780429507649-2
