July 2026
The Prishtina Institute for Political Studies (PIPS) organized the third seminar of the School of Politics, dedicated to “Peace, Diplomacy and Security”, with a particular focus on Kosovo’s position in a changing world order and evolving geopolitical environment.
Across three days, participants had the opportunity to discuss current developments in Kosovo’s foreign policy, the country’s international recognition process, Euro-Atlantic integration, security dynamics in the Western Balkans, and institutional responses to crisis situations.
Day One: Kosovo in a Changing World Order
The seminar opened with remarks by Ms. Leonora Kryeziu, Director of PIPS, followed by two sessions examining changes in the international order and their implications for Kosovo.
The Multipolar World Order and Kosovo’s Foreign Policy – with Dr. Butrint Berisha, examined the shift from a unipolar to a more multipolar world order, changing global power balances, the weakening of international norms and multilateralism, and the transformation of alliances. The discussion also explored how this evolving geopolitical environment affects Kosovo’s foreign policy as a small state seeking full international recognition.
Kosovo’s Statehood and International Recognition in 2026: Legal Arguments, Diplomatic Constraints, and Strategic Options – with Dr. Kushtrim Istrefi, explored the intersection of international law, recognition, and peacebuilding. The session addressed Kosovo’s stalled recognition process, the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue, the role of the five EU non-recognizing states, and legal and diplomatic strategies that could strengthen Kosovo’s international presence.
Day Two: Euro-Atlantic Integration and Regional Dynamics
The second day focused on Kosovo’s Euro-Atlantic perspective and the broader geopolitical developments shaping the Western Balkans.
Kosovo’s Foreign Policy After Independence: Lessons Learned and Strategic Priorities for the Next Decade – with Mr. Muhamet Brajshori, reflected on the development of Kosovo’s foreign policy since independence, its key achievements and missed opportunities, as well as strategic priorities for strengthening the country’s international standing.
U.S. Diplomacy in the Western Balkans: Pragmatism, Security, and the Future of Kosovo’s Strategic Partnership – with Prof. Pëllumb Kelmendi, examined shifts in U.S. diplomacy, regional security dynamics, and their implications for Kosovo and the Western Balkans.
Western Balkans in a Changing Geopolitical Landscape: Regional Challenges and Global Developments – with Mr. Ylber Hysa, discussed how global developments are shaping regional stability, democratic governance, security, and prospects for European integration.
Participants also engaged in group work on Kosovo’s strategic positioning in a changing Euro-Atlantic environment, facilitated by the PIPS team.
Day Three: Security, Resilience and Crisis Response
The third and final day focused on Kosovo’s security environment, its path towards NATO, and the capacity of institutions to respond to crises.
Kosovo and NATO: From Security Partnership to a Credible Membership Pathway – with Ms. Besa Kabashi Ramaj, explored Kosovo’s prospects for advancing towards NATO membership while assessing the political, security, and institutional constraints shaping this pathway. The session focused on Kosovo’s relationship with NATO and KFOR, the role of the Kosovo Security Force, the challenge posed by non-recognizing NATO member states, and the reforms required for a credible NATO integration strategy.
The seminar concluded with a “Crisis Decision Game: Diplomacy, Security, and Institutional Coordination Under Pressure”, led by Mr. Bajram Geci. Through a group simulation, participants responded to a crisis scenario involving foreign policy pressure, regional security dynamics, hybrid threats, public communication, and institutional coordination. The exercise challenged participants to assess risks, define priorities, coordinate institutional responses, and make policy decisions under time pressure.
The third seminar of the School of Politics on Peace, Diplomacy and Security concluded with three days of discussion, analysis, and practical learning on the challenges facing Kosovo and the region in an increasingly complex international environment.
PIPS extends its sincere appreciation to all speakers, participants, and partners who contributed to the successful delivery of the seminar.
The School of Politics program is supported by the Council of Europe and Demo Finland, while this seminar was supported by the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Kosovo (KAS).
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