A democratic government, however, is not the final stage in creating a civil society. Democracy is a slow machine, and a change toward ethnic and religious tolerance grows only over time. Nevertheless, the actions of peacekeepers help to preserve stability in an otherwise chaotic battleground. Perhaps soon, with the aid of the international community, Serbs and Albanians will take the first of many steps toward ethnic tolerance. Without threats from the international community, and active policing by peacekeeping forces, the situation would rapidly degrade.
Peacekeepers confiscate assault rifles, mines and grenades regularly.
Despite their efforts, occasionally the area erupts with explosions and machine-gun fire. The United States is understandably disappointed by the inability of Albanians and Serbs to lay down arms and seek a political resolution. Nevertheless, while peacekeepers capture weapons and break up street fights, leaders express an interest in forming a democratic government. With the international community standing in as the police force and mediator between ethnic groups, there is a far greater chance of forming a functional democracy. However, as the United States knows too well, religious and ethnic hatred still can exist under a functioning democracy.