Regression of Three Albanian Societies
Regression of Three Albanian Societies

Summary/Abstract: The three Albanian societies – in Albania, Macedonia and Kosovo - are in a transition process that has stalled or that is going backwards: Albania is in danger of moving in the opposite direction of EU integration, Kosovo in the opposite direction of the consolidation of statehood, while Macedonia runs the risk of moving in the opposite direction of building a legitimized state for its Albanian citizens. This brings the whole region inhabited by Albanians in a very particular historic situation, that of leaving the process of European integration and positioning itself in a grey zone of disintegration and regressive processes, which one thought were left behind together with the 20th century. Instead of being part of the historic integrating processes in Europe, the Balkan Albanians in the next ten years thus are in danger of dealing with territorial questions like Northern Kosovo or with defining the “Albanian region” in Macedonia. The author discusses both negative and positive scenarios for the three Albanian societies. He further suggests necessary steps out of the present deadlock. After all, during the next decade, Albanians in the Balkans will be tempted by several integration ideas: Besides European integration, Albanians may be part of a “neo-Ottoman” integration sphere built by Turkey. And, they may be tempted or forced to be tempted by the question whether they will unite territorially.

• Details
• Contents