Author: Frank Kressing
Publisher: Nomos Verlagsgesellschaft
ISBN:
Category : Albania
Languages : en
Pages : 186

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Book Description

Author: Elez Biberaj
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 042997096X
Category : Political Science
Languages : en
Pages : 396

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Book Description
This book focuses on the trials and tribulations of Albania's efforts to create a democratic political order. It assesses the degree and significance of changes since the early 1990s, providing a detailed account of the transition from Communist Party rule to multiparty competition.

Author: Clarissa de Waal
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
ISBN: 0857710230
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 277

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Book Description
Catapulted from totalitarianism to free market capitalism in 1991, Albania emerged from half a century of isolation to find itself an anomaly in Europe: a third world country economically and infra-structurally, first world in terms of education, literature and the arts. This portrait of Albania's 'transition' is based on the experiences of a diverse range of families – highland villagers, urban elite, shanty dwellers - whose lives the anthropologist author has followed closely since 1992. Village life is conveyed in vivid detail. The villagers deal with the grinding poverty of village life with humour, charm and reslience. Rural life, despite concerted attempts by the communist regime to eradicate 'backwardness', is still pervaded by the archaic world of customary law, a system whose influence spans dispute settlement, forest rights, marriage arrangement and blood-feuds. In the capital, Tirana, members of the former communist elite are courted by innumerable missionary groups and

Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Albania
Languages : en
Pages : 364

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Book Description

Author: Fred Abrahams
Publisher: NYU Press
ISBN: 1479896683
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 378

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Book Description
In the early 1990s, Albania, arguably Europe’s most closed and repressive state, began a startling transition out of forty years of self-imposed Communist isolation. Albanians who were not allowed to practice religion, travel abroad, wear jeans, or read “decadent” Western literature began to devour the outside world. They opened cafés, companies, and newspapers. Previously banned rock music blared in the streets. Modern Albania offers a vivid history of the Albanian Communist regime’s fall and the trials and tribulations that led the country to become the state it is today. The book provides an in-depth look at the Communists' last Politburo meetings and the first student revolts, the fall of the Stalinist regime, the outflows of refugees, the crash of the massive pyramid-loan schemes, the war in neighboring Kosovo, and Albania’s relationship with the United States. Fred Abrahams weaves together personal experience from more than twenty years of work in Albania, interviews with key Albanians and foreigners who played a role in the country’s politics since 1990—including former Politburo members, opposition leaders, intelligence agents, diplomats, and founders of the Kosovo Liberation Army—and a close examination of hundreds of previously secret government records from Albania and the United States. A rich, narratively-driven account, Modern Albania gives readers a front-row seat to the dramatic events of the last battle of Cold War Europe.

Author: Dirk J. Bezemer
Publisher: Nova Publishers
ISBN: 9781600210723
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 180

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Book Description
This book is a contribution by a diverse group of authors from the academic, business and policy advice communities to our understanding of recent social and economic developments in Albania. The motivation for this book is that there are lessons of wider importance to be learnt from the fascinating story of recent Albanian developments. Michael Kaser opens the book with a recounting of the country's history and political economy before and during transition. He brings to the job nearly six decades of professional experience as a diplomat and academic and an intimate knowledge of Albania. This chapter provides a detailed political history during transition up to late 2004. Dirk Bezemer contributes an analysis of the collapse in early 1997 of the economy and society brought about by Ponzi schemes. He links the lack of productivity growth and the growth of a 'virtual' financial sector to policy practice focusing on macro stability and state abstinence from interfering in sectoral issues - policies which are still common in many transition and developing economies. Albania has implemented tight monetary policy, stabilised the exchange rate, implemented prudent fiscal polices, and achieved a significant reduction in domestic borrowing, all contributing to the decline of the overall deficit. Based on his expertise as an IMF analyst, Treichel discusses Albania's macroeconomic prospects. Nevila Konica documents the large Albanian emigration flows during transition, leading to an estimated ten percent of the population working outside Albanian territory. Based on her large primary survey data set, she explores personal attributes that characterise emigrants, as well as the extent of the 'brain drain'. She finds that remittances from emigration have been vitally important to Albania's economy by contributing to household incomes and reducing domestic unemployment. Klarita Gerxhani delves deeper into the nature of the informal economy and presents key insights from her original academic research based on fieldwork in Tirana. In her study of the street vending sector she traces its emergence to clear 'push' and 'pull' factors. emigration issue in the broader context of labour market developments. They analyse the large regional differences in unemployment rate, the large share of long-term unemployment and the persistently higher-than-average unemployment rate and falling participation rate for women. They also conclude that emigration reduced the pressure of unemployment in the labour market and on the government's budget, and contributed to financing imports, consumption and investments through remittances. Gloria La Cava uses her research experience as World Bank Senior Social Scientist specialising in the region to address, jointly with co-author Rafaella Nanetti, the changing socio-economic conditions that Albanians face. They focus on the nature of people's vulnerability resulting from a loss of social support during the transformation years, and on social programs addressing new needs. World Bank analyst Malcolm Childress discusses the 'unfinished business of land and property reform' in Albania. emergence of a dynamic land market and the sustained supply response which was expected. Urban property privatisation has fostered a construction boom in Tirana and along the coast and the creation of large areas of informal settlement on the outskirts of Tirana and Durres. Childress provides an insightful discussion of possible consequences. In the final chapter on agriculture, Pasquale Pazienza highlight key problems of land fragmentation and under-investment (particularly in the irrigation system), illuminating the current situation with the post-war history of agricultural and land reforms. He explores the determinants of productivity in a production function framework taking a long-term view, and draws out implication for what is still the largest sector in Albania's economy.

Author: Manjola Hoxha
Publisher: LAP Lambert Academic Publishing
ISBN: 9783843362627
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 72

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Book Description
Foreign policy studies usually focus on explain, understanding and analyses of foreign policy process and attitudes of strong countries to other countries. The main idea of this study is to understand the transition history of Albanian Foreign Policy since 1990 and analyze changes and benefits of foreign policy that has undergone as a result of this transition period. Moreover at that time Albania despite carrying on her shoulder the name as a small country wished to be effective player in the Balkan region. A small country like Albania, which was once a member of Warsaw Pact, supporter and implementer of communist ideology, now a member of the largest military alliance, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and a candidate for the European Union (EU) membership. All these colossal changes from a closed country to a country with open policy, from a country with communist ideology to a country with capitalist ideology have made Albania to exceed a transition which although 20 years that has been initiated but has not yet completed.

Author: Lea Ypi
Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
ISBN: 0393867749
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 288

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Book Description
Shortlisted for the 2021 Baillie Gifford Prize for Non-Fiction Shortlisted for the 2021 Costa Biography Award The Sunday Times Best Book of the Year in Biography and Memoir A Financial Times Best Book of 2021 (Critics' Picks) The New Yorker, Best Books We Read in 2021 Times Literary Supplement Book of the Year 2021 A Guardian Best Book of the Year A reflection on "freedom" in a dramatic, beautifully written memoir of the end of Communism in the Balkans. For precocious 11-year-old Lea Ypi, Albania’s Soviet-style socialism held the promise of a preordained future, a guarantee of security among enthusiastic comrades. That is, until she found herself clinging to a stone statue of Joseph Stalin, newly beheaded by student protests. Communism had failed to deliver the promised utopia. One’s “biography”—class status and other associations long in the past—put strict boundaries around one’s individual future. When Lea’s parents spoke of relatives going to “university” or “graduating,” they were speaking of grave secrets Lea struggled to unveil. And when the early ’90s saw Albania and other Balkan countries exuberantly begin a transition to the “free market,” Western ideals of freedom delivered chaos: a dystopia of pyramid schemes, organized crime, and sex trafficking. With her elegant, intellectual, French-speaking grandmother; her radical-chic father; and her staunchly anti-socialist, Thatcherite mother to guide her through these disorienting times, Lea had a political education of the most colorful sort—here recounted with outstanding literary talent. Now one of the world’s most dynamic young political thinkers and a prominent leftist voice in the United Kingdom, Lea offers a fresh and invigorating perspective on the relation between the personal and the political, between values and identity, posing urgent questions about the cost of freedom.

Author: William Jones
Publisher: Mamba Press
ISBN:
Category : Travel
Languages : en
Pages : 57

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Book Description
Embark on a transformative journey with "Relocating to Albania," your indispensable companion for a seamless transition to this enchanting Balkan nation. Whether you're drawn to Albania's rich history, stunning landscapes, or vibrant culture, this comprehensive guide is designed to make your relocation experience smooth, rewarding, and filled with unforgettable moments. In this expertly crafted guide, you'll find a treasure trove of insights, practical tips, and cultural wisdom to guide you through every step of the relocation process. From understanding visa requirements and finding the perfect accommodation to immersing yourself in the local culture and building a fulfilling social circle, each chapter is a roadmap for a successful and enriching life in Albania. Key Features: Cultural Odyssey: Uncover the nuances of Albanian culture, from traditional customs to modern lifestyles. Learn essential phrases and etiquette to effortlessly navigate daily interactions. Practical Planning: Navigate the bureaucratic landscape with ease, understanding visa processes, legal requirements, and essential documentation. This guide provides a roadmap to streamline your move and ensure a hassle-free transition. Housing Haven: Discover the perfect place to call home. Explore diverse neighborhoods, learn about rental markets, and find accommodation options that suit your lifestyle and preferences. Language and Connection: Break down language barriers and connect with locals. Dive into language learning strategies and immerse yourself in the vibrant social fabric of Albania, building connections that go beyond borders. Education and Employment: Whether you're pursuing educational opportunities or seeking employment, this guide provides insights into Albania's education system and job market, ensuring a successful professional and personal life. Adventures Await: Explore the breathtaking landscapes, cultural gems, and outdoor wonders that Albania has to offer. From the historic streets of Tirana to the pristine beaches of the Albanian Riviera, every corner invites you on an unforgettable journey. Community and Support: Forge meaningful connections with fellow expatriates and locals. Navigate the intricacies of social dynamics and discover support systems that make you feel at home. "Relocating to Albania" is more than a guide; it's a companion for those seeking to embrace the allure of this hidden gem in the heart of the Balkans. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or embarking on your first international move, this book is your passport to a seamless transition, cultural enrichment, and the promise of a fulfilling life in Albania. Let the adventure begin!

Author: Astrit Zharri
Publisher: LAP Lambert Academic Publishing
ISBN: 9783848402984
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 92

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Book Description
Albanian foreign policy has been shaped by the powerful few during the communist regime. In the late 80s, Albania reversed its foreign policy and established relations with many non-Communist countries. Albania's foreign policy aim has been to build a stable democracy, develop and maintain regional cooperation and attain economic and political stability. It's foreign Policy focused on developing and strengthening bilateral relations with strategic important partners like, the US, EU member countries. Albanian foreign policy towards its neighbours derives from its desire to build good relations and mutual trust. Albanian diplomacy made every possible effort to support international recognition of Kosovo, therefore, making diplomatic recognition an instrument supporting irredentist plans and to consider the definition of the status of Kosovo an important issue.