Uploaded November 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
In this Q&A, I tackle one of the most contentious questions in international politics: Is Kosovo really a country? More than 15 years after declaring independence from Serbia, Kosovo is recognised by around 90-100 states — yet it remains blocked from joining the UN and opposed by key powers like Russia, China, and even several EU members.
I also explore a second, equally provocative issue: Should EU countries that recognised Kosovo reconsider their decision to avoid accusations of hypocrisy over other separatist movements? From questions of statehood and international law to the politics of recognition and double standards, this discussion examines how Kosovo’s status continues to challenge Europe’s foreign policy and the international order.
*VIDEO CHAPTERS*
00:00 Introduction and Titles
00:09 Is Kosovo Really a Country?
07:07 Should EU Members Reverse Their Recognition of Kosovo?
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*MY LATEST BOOK!*
Secession and State Creation: What Everyone Needs to Know
Oxford University Press global.oup.com/academic/product/secession-and-state-creation-9780190494049
Amazon amzn.to/2MPY3W2
Some of the links above are affiliate links. These pay a small commission if you make a purchase. This helps to support the channel at no additional cost to you.
#Kosovo #Serbia #InternationalRelations
In this Q&A, I tackle one of the most contentious questions in international politics: Is Kosovo really a country? More than 15 years after declaring independence from Serbia, Kosovo is recognised by around 90-100 states — yet it remains blocked from joining the UN and opposed by key powers like Russia, China, and even several EU members.
I also explore a second, equally provocative issue: Should EU countries that recognised Kosovo reconsider their decision to avoid accusations of hypocrisy over other separatist movements? From questions of statehood and international law to the politics of recognition and double standards, this discussion examines how Kosovo’s status continues to challenge Europe’s foreign policy and the international order.
*VIDEO CHAPTERS*
00:00 Introduction and Titles
00:09 Is Kosovo Really a Country?
07:07 Should EU Members Reverse Their Recognition of Kosovo?
*SUPPORT INDEPENDENT ANALYSIS*
If you enjoy the channel and would like to support independent analysis of international relations, conflict, and security, there are several ways you can help:
SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE
youtube.com/channel/UCEszqJb1FjYisBevHBIof3g
youtube.com/c/JamesKerLindsay?sub_confirmation=1
JOIN THE COMMUNITY AND BECOME A CHANNEL MEMBER
YouTube: youtube.com/c/JamesKerLindsay/join
Patreon: patreon.com/JamesKerLindsay
*MY LATEST BOOK!*
Secession and State Creation: What Everyone Needs to Know
Oxford University Press global.oup.com/academic/product/secession-and-state-creation-9780190494049
Amazon amzn.to/2MPY3W2
Some of the links above are affiliate links. These pay a small commission if you make a purchase. This helps to support the channel at no additional cost to you.
#Kosovo #Serbia #InternationalRelations
