The Albanian Insurgency in the Balkans. Issue 2 (2nd July 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Veljovski, Gjorgji
• Is Part Of: Special operations journal. Volume 2:Issue 2(2016)
• Page Start: 167
• Page End: 175
• Publication Date: 2016-07-02
• Subjects: insurgency -- Albania -- Balkans -- Serbia -- Kosovo -- counterinsurgency; Special operations (Military science) -- Periodicals; 356.16
• DOI: 10.1080/23296151.2016.1239977
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2329-6151

Abstract

Abstract : The latest case of an insurgency in the Balkans is the Albanian insurgency that waged guerrilla warfare in Kosovo from 1997 to 1999, in South Serbia in 2000, and in Macedonia in 2001. It is a typical example of how one insurgency makes the right moves in certain historical contexts; adapts to changes in the operational environment and regional and global policies; and links ends, ways, and means to achieve victory. The Albanian insurgency was successful because its leadership managed to properly translate its strategic goals into tactical actions. They chose the right timing to rebel, secured logistics and financial support from the Diaspora, and obtained approval from the international community. They were smart, thorough, and disciplined; established a real, concrete strategy with clearly defined goals without ambiguous policies; and avoided splitting into fractions typical for many failed insurgencies. It is worth examining the Albanian insurgency to better understand how an insurgency should work to be successful in a contemporary environment.