Delegitimising “War-Wing” Parties in Kosovo by (Special) Court Decree

Abstract Kosovo is often viewed as an example of the liberal peace framework after war. Its “war-wing” parties became part of post-war mainstream politics, with ex-KLA leaders occupying major decision-making positions. However, the 2020 war crimes indictment of then-President Hashim Thaçi and war-time allies by the Special Court coincided with elections that produced a landslide victory for the rival Vetëvendosje party, relegating “war-wing” parties to opposition. This article offers a critique of the liberal peace framework, acknowledging that criminal trials are an important part of its mosaic. However, the article argues that in this case the timing of indictments coincided with government change, a transplantation of political power, and subsequent deteriorating talks with Serbia. It argues that the pursuit of justice through criminal trials as part of the liberal peace framework may indirectly impact not just a country’s political power balance, but can disrupt ongoing international peace processes.