EU integration and conflict resolution : the cases of Cyprus and Kosovo

• Main Author: Beysoylu, Cemaliye
• Other Authors: Winn, Neil ; Robinson, Nick
• Published: University of Leeds 2013
• Subjects: 320
• Online Access: http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.605396

The European Union has long been interpreted as the main catalyser of interstate conflict resolution. The Integration process between EU member states has been interpreted as the source of transforming their methods of resolution from military means to dialogue. However since the end of Cold War, The EU’s conflict resolution capacity has been challenged by a new form of conflict: identity driven intra-state conflict. Taking this position as a starting point, this research investigates whether the traditional mechanism of European integration can also be effective on the deeply divided and war-torn societies of intrastate conflicts. This research conducts a comparative case study analysis to explore and analyse the efficiency of European integration as a method of intra-state conflict resolution in the cases of Kosovo and Cyprus. The first objective of the research is to understand and evaluate the impact of the EU integration process on political elites and wider society in the two case studies. Secondly, the research compares the effectiveness of the European integration process on conflict resolution taking place within its accession states, potential candidates and within member states. Through the comparison between the Cyprus and Kosovo cases, the research aims at developing a better understanding of the EU’s impact on intrastate conflict resolution. In so doing, the research empirically enriches the relevant literature through the primary data collected and analysed. Secondly, the research contributes to the field with a new case study on Kosovo. Finally, the research also contributes to the literature on Kosovo and Cyprus conflicts.