Title: The Albanians : a modern history /
Authors: Vickers, Miranda
Year: 2014
Subjects: History.; Albanians History.; Albania History.
Abstract: This is the first full account of a country that, following decades of isolation, has undergone unprecedented changes to its political system: the collapse of communism, the progression to multi-party elections and the upheaval that followed the March 1997 uprising. Miranda Vickers traces the history of the Albanian people from the Ottoman period to the formation of the Albanian Communist Party. She considers the charismatic leadership of Enver Hoxha; Albania's relationship with Tito and the alliance with the Soviet Union and then China; and the long period of isolation. Newly revised for this paperback edition, The Albanians considers the gradual process of reform and the fragility of the Albanian experiment with democracy, and includes a dramatic account of the days leading up to Sali Berisha's resignation of the presidency. It has now been updated to cover the crisis in Kosovo that has led to the first 'Western' war in Europe since 1945.
Contents: The naure of Ottoman rule and the rise of the Great Pashaliks -- Political and cultural moves to consolidate the Albanian national movement -- Albanian independence and the end of Ottoman rule -- The reign of Prince Wied and the First World War -- Political instability and the June Revolution -- The consolidation of Zogu's regime and the Italian ascendancy -- The Second World War and the founding of the Albanian Communist Party -- 'Building socialism' under Yugoslav and Soviet tutelage -- The retreat into isolation -- The end of communism and the path to democratic pluralism -- The democractic 'dream' fades -- Moving towards the mainstream.