by William Neal III

Created on: March 16, 2008

Independence of a nation does not grant an instant mandate of panacea from the struggles and problems, which might face a nation in the infant stages of existence. Declaring independence may even create new problems, for a fledgling independent country. Let us consider the example of Kosovo, for instance. Kosovo has recently declared independence from Serbia. Kosovo had fought for some years, to become an independent country, separate from Serbian rule. Over the years, Kosovo has gained some powerful allies, in its fight for independence. However, with the newly declared independence of Kosovo, the international community has become divided over the recognition of Kosovo, as an independent state. Serbia still refuses to recognize Kosovo's independence, and has since begun diplomatic efforts at regaining the breakaway territory, as part of Serbia. Diplomatic efforts, on both sides of the issue, have been stepped up dramatically, since the declaration of independence was announced. Of course, independence does not come without civil consequences, and unrest. There are many Serbs still living in Kosovo, whom are simply refusing to acknowledge ethnic-Albanian rule. Clashes, between ethnic-Albanians and Serbs have resulted, causing civil unrest and destruction of property.

The Kosovo issue is only a sampling of geopolitical strife, concerning the independent status of a nation. Let us now consider the independence of the United States of America, from Britain. Indeed, that was not such an easy task, as much was sacrificed, for the sake of independence. Independence was ultimately achieved, only to succumb to the ravages of civil war, amongst the people within the United States, which still resonates with some Americans, to this very day. The virtual annihilation of a native people, the Native-Americans, was also a result of the independence of America. This scenario is also likely to play out in Kosovo, as more Serbian residents within Kosovo begin to revolt against the now ethnic-Albanian government. Will the Serbs living within Kosovo find themselves living on reservations, as the Native-Americans have?

Within the current geopolitical system, lies an underlying divide between the East and West. These underlying forces are what really drive the stability or instability of a region, either recently independent or still fighting for independence. These fledgling territories, either newly independent, or still fighting for independence, will have a long way to go, before themselves free of strife and turmoil. True independence and panacea does not come with a simple stroke of a pen, or political gesture. As history has revealed, panacea is really not that easy to come by. The question might be, does panacea ever really happen?

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