Albanian dilemna in the Balkans: nationalism and globalization

Abstract

This thesis consists of a case study of the interaction of nationalism andglobalization in a specific geography: the Balkans, more precisely, Albania, Kosovo andMacedonia. The thesis is focused on three major issues: first, it analyses three Albanian societies in the Balkans focusing on the nationalist dynamics. It analyses and comparesthe present situation of Albanian nationalism and the national identity in Albania, Kosovoand Macedonia. Second, it investigates the interaction of globalization and nationalism inthese societies with a special emphasis on the effect of globalization on national identity, ethnic minorities and nation-state. Third, the thesis makes an effort to debunk some myths on the Balkans and especially on the Albanians. Despite the historical backgroundthat tries to trace the roots of the present day Albanian situation in the past, the concern ofthe thesis is the current condition of nationalism and national dynamics especially in Albania, but also in Kosovo and Macedonia. The thesis represents also a general analysisof the society in a former communist country - Albania - and the effect the communistregime had on national identity. To sum up, the thesis attempts to throw some light oncontemporary Albania and the nearby Albanian communities, trying to offer some realistic insight into the real social and political dynamics of the Albanians in the WesternBalkans.