Albanian Factor in the Republic of Macedonia in the Late Twentieth and Early Twenty-First Century

Abstract

For more than two centuries, the Albanian factor in Macedonia has been an objective and dynamically changing reality. It manifested itself in different dimensions, forms and conditions. Ten years after the establishment of the independent and sovereign Republic of Macedonia (Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia) in the early 2001, the Albanian factor, along with its traditional dimensions, received a number of new features. It has turned into a major problem for the existence, constitutional order, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Macedonia. This problem was to a larger extent “Kosovized” after the triggering of the syndrome of “communicating vessels” and its association with the situation in Kosovo and southern Serbia. In 2001, with the organization, arming and activation of Albanian paramilitary formations in Macedonia ready to establish control over certain areas in the Republic of Macedonia, it received also a military dimension. It has developed into a regional and international problem after the active interference of the leading international players and forums, which have been providing ”good services“, mediation, negotiations, monitoring and peacekeeping forces, financial and economic commitments – all of them have an impressive presence in the Republic of Macedonia and are able to influence the strengthening the stabilizing trends and processes in the Republic.