Trump and Kosovo: How the US President Tried to Stop the War and Win the Nobel Prize
Donald Trump has been repeatedly claiming that he is the one who prevented a war between Serbia and Kosovo. But is this true or just another one of his political tall tales? Let’s dive into this mess.
Trump’s Mission: Nobel Prize or Political Points?
Trump has mentioned multiple times that he stopped the conflict in the Balkans and even suggested he deserves the Nobel Peace Prize. Analysts say Trump is using the Kosovo narrative as a political tool to maintain his image as a peacemaker, especially ahead of the US midterm elections.
During his first term, the Trump administration pushed a bilateral, economically focused approach to resolving the Belgrade-Priština issue, bypassing traditional diplomatic channels like the EU. He appointed Richard Grenell as a special envoy and pushed the 2020 Washington Agreement, which included several obligations, such as Serbia moving its embassy to Jerusalem — a move that sparked sharp reactions in the EU.
What Was Actually Achieved?
The Washington Agreement was not a historic normalization deal but rather a set of economic and symbolic measures. Kosovo opened an embassy in Jerusalem, while Serbia did not. Planned territorial exchanges and Serbia’s recognition of Kosovo did not happen. The agreement largely remained on paper, with little implementation.
Trump claimed he prevented a war that Serbia allegedly wanted to start, but in reality, during his second term, there were no significant US activities in the Belgrade-Priština dialogue. The EU remains the main mediator, and talks are currently stalled, especially after a terrorist attack in the village of Banjskë.
EU and US: Who’s Leading the Dialogue?
The European Union has clearly stated it expects constructive dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia, with unconditional implementation of all agreements. The EU and US continue practical cooperation on Western Balkans stability, but Trump’s rhetoric about his peacemaking success seems like an attempt to downplay the EU’s role and portray himself as the sole problem solver.
Analysts on Trump’s Role
Political scientist Mijat Kostić believes Kosovo is an “unfinished business” for Trump and that he wants to be seen as a peacemaker. Ben Andoni says Trump uses Kosovo as a “radio” for political points, as he did before. Timothy Les from Cambridge notes Trump might take a leading role in negotiations again but in a different way than the Biden administration.
Trump and the Nobel Prize: Joke or Reality?
Trump stated he should have received the Nobel Prize four or five times, including for Kosovo and Serbia, Rwanda, Congo, India, and Pakistan. However, critics see this as exaggeration, with his conflict resolution efforts often symbolic and media-focused rather than producing real results.
Conclusion: Trump’s Kosovo Saga
While Trump insists he stopped a war and deserves the Nobel Prize, the reality is much more complex. The agreements he pushed are mostly symbolic and have not led to lasting peace or normalization. The EU remains the key mediator, and tensions in the Balkans persist.
If you think this is just another story where reality gets lost in Trump’s self-praise, you’re not alone. But hey, maybe it’s time for you to chime in — is Trump really a peacemaker or just a master of political theater? Drop a comment and let the people’s voice be heard!
