Shpend Kursani

Shpend Kursani is a Lecturer in International Relations at the Johan Skytte Institute of Political Studies, University of Tartu. He holds a PhD from the European University Institute (2020) and specializes in state recognition, sovereignty practices, and post-conflict politics, particularly in the Western Balkans. His research focuses on contested states, political violence, and the intersection of international norms and local dynamics.

Education: PhD in Political and Social Sciences (EUI, 2020), MRes (EUI, 2016), MPhil in International Relations (Cambridge, 2011), BSc in Public Policy (American University in Kosovo/Rochester Institute of Technology, 2007).

Research interests include state survival strategies, informal justice systems, and the geopolitical implications of territorial disputes. Key works include Contested States: The Struggle for Survival and Recognition (2020) and articles on Kosovo's recognition challenges and land-for-peace agreements.

Over 24 publications span journals like International Affairs, Geopolitics, and Journal of Genocide Research. Awards include the Linz-Rokkan Prize (2021) and grants from the British Council and EUI.

Administrative roles include leading the 'State Rivals' project (2019–2020) and advising on security policies via the Kosovar Centre for Security Studies (KCSS). Active in policy research on Balkan conflicts and post-Soviet statehood.