On February 17; 2008; Kosovo declared its independence; becoming the seventh state to emerge from the break-up of the former Yugoslavia. A tiny country of just two million people; 90% of whom are ethnic Albanians; Kosovo is central-geographically; historically; and politically-to the future of the Western Balkans and; in turn; its potential future within the European Union. But the fate of both Kosovo; condemned by Serbian leaders as a "fake state" and the region as a whole; remains uncertain. In Kosovo: What Everyone Needs to Know®; Tim Judah provides a straight-forward guide to the complicated place that is Kosovo. Judah; who has spent years covering the region; offers succinct; penetrating answers to a wide range of questions: Why is Kosovo important? Who are the Albanians? Who are the Serbs? Why is Kosovo so important to Serbs? What role does Kosovo play in the region and in the world? Judah reveals how things stand now and presents the history and geopolitical dynamics that have led to it. The most important of these is the question of the right to self-determination; invoked by the Kosovo Albanians; as opposed to right of territorial integrity invoked by the Serbs. For many Serbs; Kosovo's declaration of independence and subsequent recognition has been traumatic; a savage blow to national pride. Albanians; on the other hand; believe their independence rights an historical wrong: the Serbian conquest (Serbs say "liberation") of Kosovo in 1912.For anyone wishing to understand both the history and possible future of Kosovo at this pivotal moment in its history; this book offers a wealth of insight and information in a uniquely accessible format.What Everyone Needs to Know® is a registered trademark of Oxford University Press.
#397222 in Books imusti 2011-02-02Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 6.20 x .40 x 9.30l; .70 #File Name: 0195338197192 pagesOxford University Press USA
Review
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful. Breif; dense; but readableBy MESCentral Asia is often overlooked in history - or told from the view point of outsiders and enemies. This book helps to remedy that problem by focusing on Central Asian history from the inside. The book is very short and easy to read through (139 pages of text). Some of the chronological historical chapters can be a bit dense (due to the huge amount of information packed therein). None of the subjects are treated in depth because the point of the book is to be an overview. If readers would like more depth; the book includes sufficient detail to know what to look for in monographs or more specific books (including names of leaders; tribes; cities; regions; and dates) but for readers unfamiliar with the region or wanting to read a solid introduction; this is the book. Central Asia in World History is a great entry into the history of central Asia and hopefully will inspire many people to learn more about this important region.7 of 7 people found the following review helpful. Good overview lacking in some parts.By Arianne RivardA broad overview of Central Asian history that skimps on certain themes and cultures;many rushes through the modern age. The author also has an interesting pro-China bent; which leads him to present historical alliances in a way that isn't always entirely accurate. More maps and perhaps a tree of how all the different Central Asian people's are related would have been much appreciated.Overall - good for a glance at regional history; but shouldn't be used a definitive guide.31 of 33 people found the following review helpful. Broad sweep into the history culture of Central AsiaBy TigrapearThis history is broad and enlightening while being short enough for a quick read. True to its introduction; it does indeed describe the role of this large; but poorly understood region; in the development of world trade (e.g.; the Silk Road); military technology (e.g.; the composite bow) and modern nations (e.g.; Turkey and the Stans). The history is authoritative naming leaders; tribes and cities with extensive notes for further study. Nevertheless; given the strangeness of the names and remoteness of the places cited; the book could be improved significantly with one or more maps per chapter to chart the ebb and flow of the competing peoples.
