The Role of the United Nations & Major Powers in Recognition of Kosovo

Abstract

There are a number of issues with regard to statehood in the contemporary international system. Although the recognition of states is a legal issue associated with international law, at present, it has become a political issue in the world. According to the international law, there are traditional and modern criteria to be satisfied in order to be considered as a state. In contrary, major powers in the international system together with the United Nations play a significant role in giving recognition to states. The United Nations and major powers such as the US and Russia are not willing to accept Kosovo as an independent state in the international system. The main objective of this study is to identifythe reasons for the United Nations and Major Powers‘ reluctance to bestow recognition to Kosovo. In addition to that, the provisions in the international law in state recognition will be examined together with the role of the UN in giving recognition to states. This research is a qualitative research based on secondary data. The data analysis procedure is done through the case study method and the case of Kosovo which is not fully recognized as an independent state is used in the study. Finally after analyzing the case it is evident that Kosovo did not fully satisfy the international law provisions regarding the statehood criteria while Russia, China and Serbia strongly opposed granting recognition to Kosovo. According to the findings, all these entities are reluctant to grant recognition to Kosovo due to power politics. Russia is against Kosovo statehood as Russia considers itself as a regulator in the international arena showing its power to Ukraine and Western countries. To show its growing power, Russia uses the Serbian and Kosovo issue pretending that they are keen on Serbian interests while actually trying to protect its own position in the world. Likewise this paper pays attention mainly to the issue in Kosovo and the reasons for non-recognition of Kosovo.