The Importance of the Inclusion of the Former Kosovo Liberation Army Freedom Fighters in Building Institutions Grounded in Democratic Values in Kosovo After the 1999 War

Kosovo has been consolidating as a democratic state and society in the Western Balkans. The foundations of its democratic institutions, particularly its security institutions, can be traced to the period following the end of the 1999 Kosovo War. The role of the former Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) combatants in the process of building a new democratic society and its institutions was critical to the country’s subsequent success. When the KLA was demilitarized in September 1999, the international community recognized its contribution and accepted their involvement in building new state institutions. As a result, former KLA combatants formed political parties, participated in temporary governing bodies, took part in elections, and accepted electoral outcomes as a legitimate path to political power. Their participation in political life enabled the establishment of civil and democratic control over security institutions. Former KLA members also played a key role in the newly established Kosovo Protection Corps, which led efforts to integrate minorities into Kosovo’s institutions and society. In addition, former KLA combatants played an important role in the creation of the Kosovo Police, contributing both professional expertise and institutional legitimacy. These developments represented significant achievements for a society emerging from a communist legacy. The former KLA combatant’s participation provided much-needed legitimacy to the institution-building process. This article argues that the role of the former KLA combatants in building Kosovo’s political and security institutions after the 1999 war was essential, as it provided local legitimacy, facilitated democratic oversight of security structures, and enabled the successful construction of inclusive state institutions.