Preventing War in Macedonia: Pre-Emptive Diplomacy for the 21st Century

By Mark Laity
11 Jan 2008

In 2001, in the aftermath of the war in Kosovo, the stability of the Balkans was once again threatened by flaring ethnic tensions in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

But civil war was averted. In this Whitehall Paper, Mark Laity gives the first detailed insider’s account of the NATO-led international effort that prevented war in Macedonia. Writing from experience as Special Adviser to the NATO Secretary General and personal adviser to the Macedonian President, he offers a unique and incisive account of Operation Essential Harvest, and the actions that made it possible. This rare, and mostly overlooked, example of successful pre-emptive diplomacy has enduring lessons or conflict resolution and peacebuilding in the 21st Century.

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About the Author

Mark Laity is the Chief of Strategic Communications at SHAPE (Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe) which commands all NATO military operations. In 2001 he was sent to the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia as personal adviser to the Macedonian President. When a NATO military force was later deployed he became Media Adviser to the NATO commander and civilian spokesman for Operation Essential Harvest.

Whitehall Papers

The monograph series of the Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies, Whitehall Papers provide in-depth studies of specific developments, issues or themes in the field of national and international defence and security. Published twice a year, the Whitehall Papers series reflect the highest standards of original research and analysis, and are invaluable background material for policy makers and specialists alike.

Whitehall Paper 68, 2007, Print ISSN: 0268-1307, Online ISSN: 1754-5382

For further information, contact: Louise Armstrong, Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group, 4 Park Square, Milton Park, Abingdon, OX14 4RN, UK; Fax: +44 (0)20 7017 6713

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