Kosovo’s Kurti Challenges Republika Srpska Nationalism

Milorad Dodik's fiery rejection of Kosovo's Albin Kurti lays bare the Balkans' festering nationalist tensions, contrasting his 2019 embrace of pro-Serbia Hashim Thaçi's concessions.

SARAJEVO, Bosnia and Herzegovina (GPC) — The political corridors of Sarajevo buzzed with tension as Albin Kurti, Kosovo’s Prime Minister, arrived in the Bosnian capital this week amid a storm of criticism from Milorad Dodik, the leader of Bosnia’s Serb-dominated Republika Srpska. For Dodik, Kurti’s presence was nothing short of a provocation. Yet the same Dodik, known for his nationalist fervour and allegiance to Serbia, extended a warm welcome to Kosovo’s then-leader, Hashim Thaçi, in 2019.

The stark difference in Dodik’s approach to these two Kosovar leaders sheds light on the evolving political dynamics in the Balkans, a region long defined by its history of conflict and fragile diplomacy.

Kurti’s Visit: A Gesture of Openness Met with Hostility

Kurti’s arrival in Sarajevo, initially planned as part of the now-canceled EU-Western Balkans Summit, carried a message of cooperation and progress. The Kosovar leader aimed to meet with political representatives and participate in events organ…