SPECIFICS OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ETHNOPOLITICAL CONFLICT IN THE REPUBLIC OF NORTH MACEDONIA

Abstract

Aim. To identify the factors that aggravated the ethnopolitical conflict in Northern Macedonia, as well as to determine the specifics of the conflict development. Methodology. The study is based on the analysis of sources containing information about the conflicting parties, fighting and pogroms in North Macedonia. The analysis of demographic statistics of the Albanian and Macedonian population of North Macedonia is carried out. Results. it is revealed that the development of the ethno-political conflict is caused by a sharp transition to open hostilities due to underestimation of the danger of the invasion of Albanian groups from Kosovo. The dynamics of the conflict were determined by such factors as the well-established recruitment of Albanians by the militants, migration and the growth of the Albanian ethnic group in the country. Research implications. The results of the analysis can be used to further study the confrontation between the parties at the present stage, as well as to predict the development of events taking into account European integration and the country’s accession to NATO.