Why the “Kosovar Nation” Narrative is a Divide-and-Rule Tactic Against Albanians

 In recent weeks, the suspension of the free movement agreement between Albania and Kosovo has raised questions, not only about practical border management but also about the broader geopolitical implications. From October 1 until early November, the border agreement allowing citizens to pass freely at the Vermicë–Morinë crossing will be temporarily halted. While authorities insist this is only for technical upgrades and data processing improvements, the timing and narrative surrounding this suspension cannot be ignored.

Kosovo/Albanian border

On the surface, border controls appear as a minor administrative issue. However, when placed in a wider context, they become part of a sensitive debate about national identity, unity, and external influence. During this period, travelers will undergo a faster registration process to avoid long waiting lines due to heavy traffic. At weekends and during official holidays, vehicles with Albanian and Kosovar license plates will still be allowed to pass without border checks, ensuring some continuity.

Yet behind these administrative details lies a larger political game. Over the past decade, certain media outlets—often echoing lines pushed by Serbian and Russian circles—have increasingly promoted the idea of a so-called “Kosovar nation.” This is not just a harmless phrase. It is a calculated attempt to create divisions among Albanians, to weaken their sense of historical unity, and to manufacture artificial identities that serve foreign interests.

The Myth of the “Kosovar Nation”

The Albanian nation has existed for centuries, long before the modern borders of the Balkans were drawn. The attempt to separate Kosovars from Albanians linguistically, culturally, or historically is a classic “divide and rule” tactic. By suggesting that Albanians in Kosovo form a distinct “nation,” foreign actors hope to dilute the unity of the Albanian people and weaken their collective political voice in the region.

The term “Kosovo” itself is of Slavic origin, deriving from the word kos (blackbird). It was imposed during centuries of foreign domination and has no authentic connection to Albanian heritage. Albanians have always referred to the region as Dardania, a name that reflects its true Illyrian roots. For centuries, despite invasions, occupations, and shifting empires, the people of this land maintained their language, traditions, and identity—unmistakably Albanian.

Why Serbian and Russian Interests Push This Narrative

Serbia has never fully come to terms with the loss of Kosovo. By promoting the concept of a separate “Kosovar nation,” it subtly undermines the legitimacy of Albanian unity and feeds the idea that Kosovars are somehow different from other Albanians. This weakens the argument for full integration and recognition.

Russia, meanwhile, has long used ethnic division as a geopolitical weapon, from Ukraine to the Caucasus. In the Balkans, Moscow benefits from instability, because instability prevents NATO and the EU from consolidating influence. By encouraging narratives of separation between Albanians, Russia fuels distrust, division, and internal weakness—exactly the conditions in which its influence thrives.

Media as a Tool of Division

One of the most alarming aspects of this strategy is the way certain journalists and outlets willingly spread the “Kosovar nation” terminology. Whether through ignorance or deliberate alignment, they amplify foreign propaganda under the guise of analysis or reporting. Words matter. Every time the phrase “Kosovar nation” appears in headlines or opinion pieces, it normalizes an artificial identity that does not reflect reality.

This is not an attack on the citizens of Kosovo, who are proudly Albanian, but rather a warning against the manipulation of language. Albanians must remain vigilant against narratives that serve foreign agendas rather than national interests.

The Reality of Unity

Despite these external efforts, the bond between Albania and Kosovo remains unshakable. The shared language, culture, history, and sacrifices are undeniable proof of one nation. Agreements such as the suspension of border checks for most of the year are clear indicators of integration. While October and November will see temporary reinstatements of controls, nine months of the year Albanians from both sides of the border enjoy facilitated movement, symbolizing unity rather than division.

The very existence of these agreements demonstrates that the future lies in ever-closer cooperation. Infrastructure projects, trade partnerships, cultural exchanges, and joint political initiatives all point in the same direction: a united Albanian space in the Balkans.

A Call for Awareness

Albanians must not allow themselves to be divided by narratives crafted in Belgrade or Moscow. The “Kosovar nation” is a political invention, not a historical reality. The Albanian nation remains one and indivisible, from Shkodra to Prishtina, from Tetova to Ulqin, and beyond. The suspension of border agreements should serve as a reminder: unity is not something to take for granted, but something that must be actively defended against manipulation.

By recognizing these tactics and calling them out, Albanians ensure that their true history and identity remain intact. The challenge is not only administrative but also cultural and political. Unity is strength—and division is exactly what foreign powers desire.

The border agreement between Albania and Kosovo may pause temporarily, but the unity of the Albanian nation is permanent. Attempts to promote artificial separations, whether through terminology or politics, must be resisted. The Albanian people are one nation, and no amount of propaganda can change that fact.