FORGIVENESS, PEACE AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION IN THE BALKANS A SURVEY OF ALBANIAN STUDENTS

Abstract

The Balkans have long struggled with issues of identity-based conflict andgrievances. What is the solution? This study assesses perspectives of students fromEpoka University on how to best resolve historical grievances in the Balkans. Inparticular, the study seeks to explore how readings of autobiographical stories byvictims of atrocities and subsequent class discussions impact student perspectives.Survey findings suggest that the impact of class readings is statisticallyinsignificant. It does find, however, that students support multiple approaches toresolving Balkan conflicts, particularly ones focusing on face-to-face meetings ofindividuals from different identity groups, group apologies, punishment ofperpetrators, compensation for past injustices, and forgiveness. Membership in theEU and redrawn national borders are also viewed as good solutions by the majorityof students. Few students see rewriting history books to omit mention of pastviolence as very useful. Furthermore, a majority of respondents said that theywould only use peaceful, nonviolent means to pursue justice. While the survey maynot be representative of the larger population, it does shed light on the support forgrievance resolution in one specific population in the Balkans and may assistpeace-makers in developing strategies to address long-standing grievances betweencommunities in the Balkans, in particular the value of readings and discussionfocused on finding the best response to atrocity. Beyond its initial findings, thisstudy seeks to draw attention to questions of how best to resolve conflicts in theBalkans and encourage further research in the area.