Abstract | Since 1999 international actors have presented Kosovo’s problems as stemming exclusively from endogenous factors which locals cannot solve; international oversight is thus a necessary and benign source of order. The KSC is the latest initiative premised on this assumption; this article identifies the key implications of this. The fact that the KSC’s creation was driven by external actors has had a negative impact on its legitimacy amongst the general public within Kosovo that will impact on their response to its proceedings. The idea that international oversight is more efficient is questionable given that since 1999 international judicial mechanisms have endured corruption, witness intimidation, and political interference. Those who supported the establishment of the KSC advanced a narrative which implies they were not culpable for the events of 1998-2000; in fact, both UNMIK and KFOR – by virtue of their respective mandates – manifestly failed in their duty to provide security. |
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