"Small" States Acting "Big": How Minority Education Models in Croatia and Kosovo Perpetuate Segregated Societies

• In Event: 69.058 - Poster Session 16
  In Poster Session: 69.058-4 - "Small" States Acting "Big": How Minority Education Models in Croatia and Kosovo Perpetuate Segregated Societies

Abstract

This case study deals with very sensitive, but not widely researched topic: minority education in small post-conflict states of Croatia and Kosovo. These two have two distinct features: rebuilding the nationhood and national identity after the civil war that was followed by independence, and aspiring to access or being a part of transnational political, non-governmental, or military organizations.. Second, both Croatia and Kosovo were part of a bigger federal state, i.e. former Yugoslavia, which they seceded from. Their independence was paid with very high price - the ethnic conflicts that took many lives. The narratives about war, sovereignty, independence, historical aspirations for freedom, still play an important role in framing the foundations of these nation-states, in public and educational space.

Authors

• Armend Tahirsylaj, Linnaeus University

• Renata Horvatek, The Pennsylvania State University