The Influence of Inter-Ethnic and Inter-Religious Relations on the Peace and Stability of the Western Balkans

The inter-institutional project “The Influence of Inter-Ethnic and Inter-Religious Relations on the Peace and Stability of the Western Balkans” began in September 2007. The aim of the project is to examine, among others, conditions of religious, ethnic, cultural and political significance for purposes of the Slovenian Armed Forces’ operations. The goal is to produce teaching materials, namely a manual for the Slovenian Armed Forces. In 2007, the research group, coordinated by ISI, prepared a detailed work plan for the execution of the project, devised an organisational chart and research bases, and carried out other necessary preparations for the research work. In addition to this, members of the group had already begun with research work proper. During a professional visit to Kosovo, the research group carried out a month-long collection of materials, as well as an evaluation of the conditions. They also analysed the ethnic structure of migration, taking the case of Albania as an example.

In 2008, the project plans for more extensive fieldwork, namely in Kosovo, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia. The fieldwork will consist of consultations with experts, as well as the collecting and classifying of materials. By the end of the year, we plan to draft historical reviews for all regions in question. Based on the materials collected, we also aim to conduct more detailed analyses of ethnic and migration structures, as well as the religious and inter-cultural relations. Preparations for the end goal of the project, a Slovenian Armed Forces manual, will also be underway during that same period. In 2008, several coordination meetings are planned – both within the research group itself, among the participating institutions, as well as between the researchers and the client.