During the last two decades leading Albanian political actors have developed political activity based on two parallel indicator: western formal models and marketing electoral programs, as well as eastern oriental model in the way they have designed and developed policy, elections, internal democracy and public discourse. Being correct to western formal models came as foreign imposition, as needed impersonation in terms of lack of experience and practical knowledge, as well as the response of major civic expectations.
The conclusion of this material is that we are dealing with continuous coexistence between Western model in programs and eastern model in practical implementation of these programs. Practical application of a parallel political system, in values, methods and political discourse was due to domestic consumption needs, fragility in the formation of political culture, local recognition of the dominant methods in politics and the pursuit of short-term political goals.
This thesis paper aims to analyze the formal western presentation of the two main political parties and their leaders during the transition, and to make this analysis in comparative relation to feeds and real features in daily political activity. Part of the study are the programs and the most important political positions, international relations associated with the level of democracy and the role of political parties in shaping a democratic, professional studies in the field of political behavior and political discourse.
Table of Contents
- Summary
- Introduction
- Integrating aspirations vs. integrating culture
- Local Vision vs. willingness to Europe
- Expectations from the elites vs. responsibility to elites
- West as a merit vs. West as a gift
- Accidental suit vs. oriental mentality
Objectives and Key Themes
This thesis paper aims to analyze the formal Western presentation of the two main political parties and their leaders during Albania's transition, comparing this presentation to their actual daily political activity. The paper explores the programs, political positions, international relations, and the role of political parties in shaping a democratic and professional political culture. Key themes investigated include:- The contrasting presence of Eastern mentalities and Western identity within Albanian politics.
- The complexities of integrating with Western institutions while maintaining a unique national identity.
- The influence of political elites on the evolution of democratic practices and civic engagement.
- The relationship between the "West" as a desired goal and the "West" as a potential benefactor.
- The challenges of reconciling Western aspirations with traditional Eastern cultural norms.
Chapter Summaries
- Summary: This section provides a brief overview of the paper's main argument, highlighting the contrasting presence of Eastern mentalities and Western identity within Albanian politics. It introduces the key terms: parties, political behavior, identity, political discourse, West, and East.
- Introduction: This chapter introduces the concept of "East-West" in Albanian politics, exploring both the historical and contemporary dimensions of this division. It highlights the debate over Albanian identity and its affiliation with either Western or Eastern civilization, particularly referencing figures like Konica, Maloki, Fishta, Frasheri, Noli, Kadare, and Xhaferi.
- Integrating aspirations vs. integrating culture: This section discusses the impact of the fall of communism on the debate over Albanian identity. It analyzes the shift in rhetoric from a focus on Albanian uniqueness to a more pronounced emphasis on European integration, acknowledging the challenges posed by a lack of democratic tradition and the need to overcome anti-Western sentiment ingrained through generations.
- Local Vision vs. willingness to Europe: This chapter explores the creation of a parallel system in Albanian politics: a public face of Western models and rhetoric, contrasted with actual political behavior and mentalities that often fall short of these ideals. It examines the complexities of local political priorities and their influence on integration aspirations.
- Expectations from the elites vs. responsibility to elites: This section examines the dynamics between political elites and citizens in Albania. It highlights the ongoing debate about the dominance of politics over society, and the limited role of public engagement in shaping policy decisions. The chapter also explores the responsibility of elites in leading the transition process and the potential for manipulation of civic aspirations for electoral gain.
- West as a merit vs. West as a gift: This chapter analyzes the symbolism of Albania's admission to NATO in 2008, highlighting the perception of Western support as a "gift" rather than a reward for merit. It discusses the potential for this perception to create a false sense of integration and distort the true nature of the relationship with Western institutions. The section also explores the inconsistency in Albanian responses to American support, emphasizing the superficiality of declared loyalty to the West.
Keywords
The primary keywords and focus topics of this thesis paper are Albanian transition, Eastern mentality, European identity, political behavior, political discourse, Western models, integration process, political elites, civic engagement, and the perception of the West as both a merit and a gift. The paper delves into the complexities of navigating these themes within the context of Albanian politics, exploring the inherent tension between traditional Eastern values and modern Western aspirations.- Arbeit zitieren
- PhD Afrim Krasniqi (Autor:in), 2014, Albanian Transition. The Contrast between Eastern Mentality and European Identity, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/274850
