The reconstruction of Albanian politics and identity in the context of European integration

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Tezin Türü: Yüksek Lisans

Tezin Yürütüldüğü Kurum: Orta Doğu Teknik Üniversitesi, İktisadi ve İdari Bilimler Fakültesi, Siyaset Bilimi ve Kamu Yönetimi Bölümü, Türkiye

Tezin Onay Tarihi: 2004

Öğrenci: DORİNA NİKOLLA

Danışman: KÜRŞAD ERTUĞRUL

Özet:

This thesis analyses the change of the Albanian national identity and ideology during its contemporary history, beginning from the national awakening period up to post-communism. The break with the dictatorial Enver Hoxha regime marked the begining of a new era for the Albanian ideology and politics. To this regard, the political elite, played a prominent role in the process of transition and the opening of Albania to the world.The prospect for the EU membership became the major motivation of the Albanian political class for the break with the past authoritarian regime and change. The European integration process has notably affected political elite's imagination of Albanian culture and history and Albania's place in Europe. The desire for a rapid integration urged Albanian political elite to re-establish the relations with the neighbouring countries by re-designing the foreign policy in compliance with the new imperatives of geopolitics.