The debate on British policy in the Kosovo conflict: An assessment

This article examines the policies and attitudes of the Blair government regarding one of the most remarkable instances of British forces in action since 1945, the Kosovo war of 1999. It starts by setting out how the Labour administration viewed the values at stake in Kosovo. Second, the paper sets out the policies pursued by the Labour government, together with the analysis proffered by the other main parties and by MPs with perspectives differing from their party. Third, the article explains why a Labour government found itself in the unaccustomed position of defending the resort to military power against Conservatives, with some arguing it was doing too much and others insisting on the converse.