Arlinda Rrustemi (University of Leiden): State-Building through Life Stories: Incorporating Local Perspectives

The presentation focuses on an ongoing research about statebuilding in Kosovo using life stories, comparing the international and local perspectives of international statebuilding. The first stage of the project included the identification of the international perceptions (NATO, EU, UNMIK & EULEX) in state building and the second stage included the identification of the local perspectives (political elites, ngo's, etc) in state building through life stories. The talk will revolve around the design and objectives of the research project and some preliminary findings. The processes promoted by the international community in Kosovo focus mainly on institutions, and it uncovers the main similarities and differences with the emerging local perspectives. The latter emphasizes more the societal processes rather than institutional ones. Recommendations follow on how to bridge the gap between the international and local perspectives since they seem to differ on some aspects and correspond on others.