INSTITUTIONAL AND NON-INSTITUTIONAL ACTORS IN POLICY-MAKING PROCESSES: A CASE STUDY

Abstract

This article examines the role and importance of institutional and non-institutional actors in Kosovo’s foreign policy processes. It is based on a review of official documents, non-governmental organization (NGO) research and academic literature, using a research method of material analysis. The paper’s findings reveal Kosovo’s challenges in its policy-making processes and emphasise the essential role of international factors and NGOs. The article provides a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and importance of Kosovo’s foreign policy and the role and influence of institutional actors, such as the ruling party and opposition parties, and non-institutional actors, such as international actors and NGOs. The results emphasise the need for the engagement and support of the international community in Kosovo’s foreign policy efforts. In conclusion, the paper contributes to the ongoing discussion on the policy-making processes in Kosovo and its foreign policy. Judah (2012) emphasised that for Kosovo to have a successful foreign policy, it must have a flourishing internal (domestic) policy because one cannot be successful without the other. The article emphasises the importance of considering institutional and non-institutional actors in the policy-making processes in Kosovo.