Education and the new nationalism in the Balkans : the case of Albania

Abstract

The key elements characterizing Albanian history are a straggle for
independence, interference form the outside, autocratic rule, and an
intense effort to unite all Albanians and develop and preserve a national
identity. This was also true, to a great extent, even under the communist
regime. The geopolitical events of the last five years, however, gave
Albania the opportunity for a new beginning —to move toward
democracy and to join Europe. Will the new nationalism, now strongly
evident in the Balkans, permit it? Will the Albanians be able to resist
it? Education can play a significant role in assisting Albania to become
a democratic society, but a number of constrains that are rooted in the
past need to be eliminated. Education must be depoliticized and oriented
toward the concept of democracy and the democratic process.