Ivic: Reduction in KFOR troop numbers is a double-edged sword

The announced reduction in the number of KFOR troops reflects a broader continental trend from the perspective of the United States, but such a decision is a double-edged sword because it could shift part of the responsibility from KFOR to the Kosovo Security Force, which is not favorably disposed toward the Serbian community, warned Petar Ivic, an associate of the Pupin Initiative.

Ivic explained that the administration in Washington has decided to reduce its military presence in Europe because it no longer views Russia as a major threat.

"After Russia's not particularly successful military campaign in Ukraine, the Americans see Russia as a second-rate conventional military power. Despite that, Russia still possesses significant nuclear capabilities. However, the Americans are reducing the number of their troops, as well as military technology and equipment in general, stationed on the European continent," Ivic told Kosovo Online, adding that KFOR is part of this broader trend.

He added that the US administration is generally shifting its focus to the Indo-Pacific while expecting Europe to assume greater responsibility for its own defense and security.

"By reducing its military presence in Europe, the focus is shifting to the Indo-Pacific in order to avoid what is known in international relations as imperial overstretch," Ivic said.

He also pointed out that Washington now views Serbia and the region in a more positive light, seeing Serbia as a stabilizing actor, which is one of the reasons behind the announced reduction in KFOR troops.

"That is, on the one hand, a positive development because it changes the narrative from the 1990s, which portrayed the region as unstable and Serbia as the main aggressor and source of instability," Ivic stressed.

However, he cautioned that the withdrawal of some troops could prove to be a double-edged sword because it would mean transferring part of the responsibility for Kosovo's security situation to the Kosovo Security Force.

"That is one of the possible unintended consequences. We know that the Kosovo Security Force is not favorably disposed toward the Serbian community and has caused many problems. However, this is an issue that will have to be resolved through dialogue, and I believe it will become increasingly pressing as the number of KFOR personnel continues to decline," Ivic concluded.