YUGOSLAV-ALBANIAN RELATIONS AND THE ALBANIAN QUESTION DURING THE COLD WAR

Mariyana Stamova

Abstract

The articles deal with the development of the Albanian problem in the relations between the two neighboring Balkan states Yugoslavia and Albania during the Cold War. It is quite obvious that the Communist regimes in Yugoslavia and Albania build up radically different socio-political and economic systems. It is also clear that, in the conditions of the Cold War and block opposition, with their foreign policy and their presence in international life, these two Balkan countries are “exceptions to the rule”. It is interesting to explore the relationship between these two countries and how they fit into the overall situation in the region, Europe and the world. Insofar we have addressed the two main periods in relations between Yugoslavia and Albania: the time of closeness and the dominant Yugoslav influence under the wing of Moscow - which lasted only four years (1944–1948), followed by a period of hostility and confrontation lasting for decades. Indeed, at times the tone is softer and the opposition is more moderate, but altogether the differences run too deep to be overcome. One illustrative fact in the exasperation of relations with Moscow during the second half of the 1950s is Khrushchev's attempts to normalize and intensify ties with Yugoslavia. These are negatively welcomed in Tirana. Similar outcome was noticed in the early 1970s when there was a period of warming in Beijing-Belgrade relations. The Yugoslav factor is a constant irritant for Albania and is perceived by Enver Hoxha's regime as a threat. Profound ideological differences and political reasons are at the root of such a behavior. Another permanent issue in the opposition of Yugoslav-Albanian relations is the National problem - the significant number of Albanians living within the borders of Yugoslavia. It has been a major problem in the decades after the end of the Second World War.

Pages: 28 - 35