Ideas are the corner-stones of International Relations and Diplomacy. These ideas are often titled theories, a term that grants the ideas a certain degree of credibility in application, though they remain theories; they cannot be proved., only applied intelligently in hopes of arriving at the correct conclusion. One theory concerning the Balance of Power (BOP) falls under the Neo-Realist analysis of conflict within the International system. This Essay will attempt to apply this theory, somewhat retroactively to the situation in Bosnia and more specifically, to that in Kosovo. Retroactively, because the essay will principally examine how these theories can be applied to the history of the Kosovo conflict, dating to the present. Secondly, it will undertake to detail the current situation in that region in these same terms, providing an accurate description of the status quo. Finally, the Balance of Power Theory will be employed in a prospective manner, to offer a solution to the situation in terms of actually creating a balance of power within the country of Bosnia.

I. Definitions of Terms for the Purpose of this Essay

In contrast to the ideas of Morgenthau's diplomacy theory, it should be noted that medieval Kosovo and its military leaders did believe in a doctrine, which Morgenthau, in The Future of Diplomacy (1948) says can only be a hindrance to effective state-maintenance. Their doctrine was religious, Orthodox Christian and was the center of all state-decisions. In the face of a doctrine, especially religious, costs and benefits are not calculated as they normally would. Non-secular fervor becomes the need for victory, as well as the desire to remain autonomous and sovereign.

The Balance of Power theory, however, does not allow for emotional rationalization when discussing war and politics. The final peace will depend on the power held by each party as the war ends. Serbia had, in 1995 presented a plan for peace in a magazine which passed unnoticed by the rest of the world. In it, they proposed to have a buffer zone free of ethnic Albanians. The buffer zone would lie between Albania and Kosovo-Metohia, which would effectively end the mutual ethnic cleansing, and act as a sort of containment solution. The implementation of this plan however is far from realization, since the war continues to rage.

III. Immediate Application of Theory

II. B. How the Balance of Power Theory Explains the History of Kosovo

Kosovo and Metohia were now the military and religious center of life in the Balkans, and not accidentally. The region is surround by mountain gorges and was comparatively safe from outside attack. Under this protection, learned monks and spiritual dignitaries gathered, strongly influencing the religious shaping of the nation. The value of Serbian Orthodox art and architecture soon bypassed that of the Byzantine empire, with which the Serbian forces frequently warred. Politically, Serbian rulers, with their rich feudal holdings, ensured the survival of the church by granting it estates, which later from the Greek 'metoch' meaning 'estate of the church' took the name Metohia.

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Approximate Word count = 2448
Approximate Pages = 10 (250 words per page double spaced)