Political theory of secession: Some aspects of the Kosovo case

Abstract

In this paper, we will try to test the dominant political theory of secession, namely the contractualist one, in one specific case - the secession of Kosovo. This case is particularly important because it represents the most important, if not the only, exception of the dominant political theory of secession and the existing political practice of secessionist movements as well. Obviously, this exceptionality must be based on some other basis. One possible claim is the "historical" basis of independence. In this text, we will test this argument and show its untenability.