The Kosovo Precedent in Russia's Foreign Policy

Bc. Jiří Nykodým

Master's thesis

Abstract:

This thesis aims to critically explore the application of the Kosovo precedent within Russia’s foreign policy. Through an analysis of essential political communications, it investigates how Russia constructs narratives surrounding Kosovo and employs them to achieve its geopolitical objectives. It highlights the strategic nature of these narratives, influencing Russia’s behavior on the global stage, and examines their progressive transformation, particularly noting a pivotal shift in 2008. The subsequent evaluation of the findings discusses the narratives’ alignment with Russia’s collective worldview and national identity and addresses the impact Moscow’s actions might further have in shaping international affairs. Finally, by delving into this narrative study, the research intends to contribute to a broader academic debate by offering valuable insights into the potency of strategic narratives and their far-reaching implications in the arena of international politics.

Abstract:

This thesis aims to critically explore the application of the Kosovo precedent within Russia’s foreign policy. Through an analysis of essential political communications, it investigates how Russia constructs narratives surrounding Kosovo and employs them to achieve its geopolitical objectives. It highlights the strategic nature of these narratives, influencing Russia’s behavior on the global stage, and examines their progressive transformation, particularly noting a pivotal shift in 2008. The subsequent evaluation of the findings discusses the narratives’ alignment with Russia’s collective worldview and national identity and addresses the impact Moscow’s actions might further have in shaping international affairs. Finally, by delving into this narrative study, the research intends to contribute to a broader academic debate by offering valuable insights into the potency of strategic narratives and their far-reaching implications in the arena of international politics.

Keywords

Kosovo precedent, Russian foreign policy, International relations, Strategic narratives, Instrumentalization, Narrative analysis

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 11. 12. 2023

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 11. 1. 2024
• Supervisor: Mgr. Kateřina Fridrichová, Ph.D.
• Reader: Mgr. Zinaida Bechná, Ph.D.

Masaryk University

Faculty of Social Studies

Master programme / field:
International Relations and European Politics / International Relations and European Politics