"KOSOVO AND METOHIJA IN THE TWENTIETH CENTURY: HISTORICAL-GEOPOLITICAL CONTEXT"
Gučanin, Darko (ed.). 2025. "Kosovo and Metohija in the Twentieth Century: (Historical-Geopolitical Context)". Kraljevo: National Museum "Kraljevo"; Belgrade: Institute for Political Studies. ISBN 978-86-81578-36-0
The National Museum, Kraljevo and the Institute for Political Studies, Belgrade, present a new publication – a collection of works dedicated to one of the most important and complex topics of Serbian history and modernity. The book “KOSOVO AND METOHIJA IN THE TWENTIETH CENTURY: A Historical-Geopolitical Context” brings together works by prominent scholars who shed light on the political, historical, cultural and security aspects of the Kosovo-Metohija issue.
At a time when distorted facts and superficial interpretations are often promoted, this collection provides a scientifically based and well-argued insight into the past and present of Kosovo and Metohija. Readers have the opportunity to discover how major historical events and global changes influenced the fate of the Serbian people in this region during the 20th century.
In their works, the authors explain why Kosovo and Metohija, the area of blackbirds (Kosovo) and monastery estates (Metohija), has been for centuries the center of the meeting of civilizations and the interests of great powers, but also the foundation of the national identity and spiritual vertical of the Serbian people. Special emphasis is placed on cultural heritage - monasteries, churches and endowments that testify to a deep historical presence and lasting values. In addition, Serbian-Albanian relations, toponyms as identity landmarks, as well as crimes against the Serbian population are also discussed. The position of Albanians in Serbia and Yugoslavia in the period from 1945 to 1969 is investigated, in the broader context of the status of national minorities in neighboring countries. The attempt to create the so-called "Kosovo War Party" in 1989 is also addressed, as well as the economic potential of Kosovo and Metohija between the two world wars. Furthermore, the collection contains contributions for the study of the history of the Trepča mining complex in the period 1925–1974, the role of the Serbian Orthodox Church in preserving the Serbian national and spiritual being, the consequences of the decades-long Atlanticist occupation, as well as the position of Kosovo and Metohija during World War II.
The collection was created as a result of a scientific conference held in 2023, where researchers from various fields – history, political science, geopolitics and cultural studies – presented their latest scientific findings. Their contributions provide breadth and depth in understanding one of the most important national and state issues. The collection was edited by Darko Gučanin (chief and responsible editor); Ljubodrag P. Ristić and Milomir Stepić (editors).
"KOSOVO AND METOHIJA IN THE TWENTIETH CENTURY: A Historical-Geopolitical Context" is a book that provides both knowledge and thought-provoking content. It is a valuable guide through history and geopolitics, but also a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving national identity and cultural heritage.
