IB History Political Impact in Kosovo Notes

The Political Impact of the War in Kosovo

Ibrahim Rugova and the Propaganda Agreement

1. Rugova’s role before 1999
   1. Ibrahim Rugova, long-time leader of the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), symbolized non-violent resistance.
   2. His political standing weakened during the war.
2. Televised meeting with Milošević
   1. On April 1, 1999, during NATO’s bombing campaign, Rugova appeared on Serbian state television shaking hands with Slobodan Milošević.
   2. The image was widely circulated and seen by many Albanians as a betrayal.
3. Joint statement
   1. During the broadcast, both leaders presented a joint statement agreeing to work toward ending hostilities.
   2. The statement implied that stopping NATO’s bombing campaign would open the way for political dialogue.
4. Implied protection under Serbian authority
   1. The statement suggested that Rugova’s safety and that of the Albanian population would be protected under Serbian authority.
   2. Serbian propaganda presented this as a sign of Milošević’s goodwill.
5. Media portrayal of concessions
   1. Serbian media claimed that Rugova had accepted a return to Serbian constitutional control over Kosovo or at least agreed to discuss autonomy within Serbia.
   2. Rugova and international authorities never confirmed this.
6. Perception of betrayal
   1. Despite his history of peaceful resistance, Rugova’s appearance was widely interpreted as a humiliating act of submission to a regime accused of oppression and ethnic cleansing.
7. Propaganda purpose
   1. The agreement was staged for propaganda: Milošević’s regime sought to divide Kosovar Albanians and undermine the legitimacy of the KLA and NATO’s intervention.
   2. The “agreement” was optical manipulation rather than substance, aimed at delegitimizing Albanian resistance and portraying Milošević as reasonable during NATO’s bombing.

The Rise of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA)

1. Decline of Rugova’s influence
   1. Rugova’s passive approach, once the foundation of Albanian political strategy, came to seem inadequate amidst escalating violence.
   2. His loss of legitimacy, especially after the televised meeting with Milošević, appeared to cement his decline.