The Assumptions underlying the Kosovo Specialist Chambers and Their Implications

Abstract

Since 1999 international actors have presented Kosovo’s problems as stemming exclusively from endogenous factors that locals cannot solve. International oversight is thus as essential and benign; the ksc is the latest initiative premised on this assumption. I argue, however, that the idea that international oversight is more efficient than local control is questionable given that since 1999 international judicial mechanisms have endured corruption, witness intimidation, and political interference. Additionally, 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; this will influence their response to its proceedings. Finally, I argue that those who supported the establishment of the ksc advanced a narrative that implies they were in no way culpable for the crimes committed between 1998–2000; in fact, both unmik and kfor manifestly failed in their duty to provide security in Kosovo.