Playing Favorites? U.S. Foreign Policy Toward Kosovo and Palestine

Policymakers of the United States have long been vocal supporters of the notion of self-determination, though they have been unable to agree on an operational definition or a consistent application of policy. Two of the most recent and most salient challenges to the United States foreign policy on self-determination movements abroad have been Kosovo and Palestine. These movements are both characterized by territorial, ethnic, and religious elements. They both have achieved a degree of political autonomy within the borders of an existing state. They have both declared independence from said state. The glaring difference is that the United States recognized the independence of Kosovo instantly, and has yet to recognize Palestine. The rhetoric of the United States maintains that its recognition of Kosovo is justified by its status as “unique” and “a special case.” Elementally, Kosovo and Palestine are the same. However, the United States and its policymakers have perceived it as different, and not for the reasons that that are emphasized. There are two “real” reasons that the United States has recognized Kosovo. The first reason, quite simply, is that with its vociferous praise of the United States, Kosovo has played to America’s egoistic streak, and it is being handsomely rewarded. Secondly, U.S. policymakers have made it evident in public speech that the state’s proximity to a resurgent Russia has played a critical role in garnering American support of Kosovar independence.