Modern Albania : From Dictatorship to Democracy in Europe

358 Pages·2015·3.28 MB·English

by  Fred C Abrahams

Modern Albania
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Modern Albania
From Dictatorship to Democracy in Europe
Fred C. Abrahams
NEW YORK UNIVERSITY PRESS
New York and London
NEW YORK UNIVERSITY PRESS
New York and London
www.nyupress.org
© 2015 by New York University
All rights reserved
References to Internet websites (URLs) were accurate at the time of writing. Neither the
author nor New York University Press is responsible for URLs that may have expired or
changed since the manuscript was prepared.
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Abrahams, Fred.
Modern Albania : from dictatorship to democracy in Europe / Fred C. Abrahams.
pages cm Includes bibliographical references and index.
ISBN 978-0-8147-0511-7 (cl : alk. paper)
1. Albania—Politics and government—1990– 2. Post-communism—Albania.
3. Democracy—Albania. I. Title.
DR978.3.A35 2015
949.6504—dc23 2014044426
New York University Press books are printed on acid-free paper, and their binding materials
are chosen for strength and durability. We strive to use environmentally responsible suppli-
ers and materials to the greatest extent possible in publishing our books.
Manufactured in the United States of America
10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Also available as an ebook
To my parents, Carole and David, for the roots and wings.
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Contents
Map of Albania ix
Map of Tirana x
Introduction xi
Prologue: On the Boulevard 1
Part I. Out of the Dark: The Leader’s Demise,
1985–1990
1. Hoxha’s Heart 15
2. Fences Fall 28
3. The System Shakes 41
Part II. Blinded by Light: The Democratic
Movement, 1990–1992
4. Student City 51
5. A Democratic Party 65
6. Vote for the Future 84
Part III. Red to Blue: Democratic Party Rules,
1992–1996
7. Rebuild the State 113
8. One-Party Town 127
9. The Fall 145
Part IV. Blinded by Gold: Crash of the Pyramids,
1997
10. Profiteers’ Pact 169
11. Revolt 180
12. A Horrible End 204
vii
viii | Contents
Part V. Return to Red: Ex-Communists Rule, 1998
13. Democracy 2.0 225
14. Illegal but Necessary 232
15. A Shot, a Coup 236
Part VI. Red and Black: The Kosovo War,
1998–1999
16. Argument of Force 247
17. A Formula 256
18. To War 266
Part VII. Black and Blue: Battered Politics
of Transition, 2000–2014
19. Busts in Our Heads 275
20. The Doctor Is Back 281
21. Pendulum Swing 292
Epilogue 297
Acknowledgments 301
Notes 303
Sources 325
Index 329
About the Author 345
Map of Albania
ix