Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Albania's Development: Exploring State Ownership, Corruption, And The Impacts Of Mass Migration, And The Labor Market, Marsela Doko

Senior Projects Spring 2024

The development of Albania is seen through various factors. I explore the topics of development through state ownership both during (under the rule of Enver Hoxha) and after his death and the fall of communism, corruption, emigration, and the labor market. The high rates of privatization of property have led many parts of the country to become inaccessible and unaffordable for the average citizens. Additionally, the high rates of corruption that were in part due to the history of communism limit the change possible and the rate that could help the country's development. Furthermore, the mass migration of over 40% …

Coming Home: Challenges Of Reintegration For Returned Migrant Women In Northern Albania, Marsida Tafilica

All Dissertations

Return migration is the movement of people from host countries to their country of origin after spending a period of time abroad. The aim of this doctoral research is two-folded: Firstly, it aims to explore migration and return migration experiences of Albanian women in order to understand the difficulties experienced during and after migration and how they handled obstacles. Secondly, it analyzes how women migrants perceive successful reintegration.

Drawing on qualitative in-depth interviews of 19 Albanian women who returned to the city of Shkodra, the research seeks to answer the following questions: (1) Upon return, what are the perceptions of …

An Assertion Of The Rights Of The Malësore As Indigenous Peoples In Present-Day Montenegro, Sarina Jaqueline Culaj

Senior Projects Spring 2023

Senior Project submitted to The Division of Social Studies of Bard College.

A Relationship Between Personality Traits And Internet Addiction In A Sample Of Albanian University Students, Desara Celiku

Selected Full-Text Master Theses 2021-

The internet is one of the most important inventions that has brought the world together. It has changed the way we live, the way we work, and the way we learn. The internet takes a major part of our time, and research has shown that people struggle to find the balance between being online or offline. When this escalates to the level of addiction, we have a major problem. Even though this is now a worrying problem, just a few investigations have been made into understanding the relationship between internet addiction and its potential risk factors. This study aims to …

Justice In Hybrid-Democracy: Blood Feuds And Albania Post Communism, Isabella Mahan

Themis: Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science

In 1991, Albania shifted from severe communist rule to a regime claiming to be democratic. However, to this day, Albania maintains undemocratic elements. This paper analyzes the impact of hybrid state capacity in the context of state-led justice and the implications for citizen compliance. Albanian culture possesses a deep history of reliance on Kanun and traditional justice in conjunction with the state's inconsistency and unreliability. It further establishes the disconnect between people and the state. Despite attempts to progress towards modernity, traditions of blood feuds reemerged with the movement away from communism. The failure to properly transition from authoritarianism to …

State-Sponsored Atheism: The Case Of Albania During The Enver Hoxha Era, İbrahim Karataş

Occasional Papers on Religion in Eastern Europe

This study analyzes how Enver Hoxha tried to abolish religions in Albania during the communist era. I argue that if atheism is not politicized and not exerted by force, its materialist damage is less. Yet, when atheization becomes a state policy and the government executes clergy, oppresses pious people, and destroys mosques and churches for the sake of atheism, irreligion then becomes a matter of state security. The study contends that when atheism is applied by force, atheist fundamentalism, which is no different than the religious version, emerges. Thus, irreligion becomes a threat to people’s lives and destroys society as …

The Effects Of Telehealth Training On Parents Of Children With Autism In Albania, Freskida Griffiths

Theses and Dissertations

The present study evaluated telehealth training with parents on techniques for working with their children with autism spectrum disorder in Southeastern Europe. The purpose of this study was to research the effects of telehealth training on the parents and the increase of mands on the children. The participants of this study included three mothers and three children, which totaled six participants. Parents were trained on how to increase functional communication in their child. Telehealth training was based on an effective training package called Behavior Skills Training (BST). BST consist of instructions, modeling, rehearsal, and feedback. The resources needed for the …

Social Stigma, Public Health, And Addiction In Albania, Ediola Malkouari

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Drug use is considered in many countries the plague of today's society. Researchers from medical, psychological and sociological fields, as well as lawmakers, are interested in finding more answers to this widespread phenomenon. All over the world there are known conflicts related to drug producing, transportation routes and distribution, that harm the economy and social standing of the involved communities or countries. Policies towards drug use vary from country to country, but this research focuses on how stigma affects the lives of individuals suffering from substance use disorder (SUD) in Albania. Substance use disorder is not often considered a disease, …

Psychological Impact On Residents Of Border Areas In The Years Of System Change (1990 - 1994), Nexhat Cocaj

UBT International Conference

After the overthrow of the "clone", in December 1990 and in the spring of 1991, which was the barbarian border for the bloodshed, a new stage in the development of the border had started that described the Albanian people everywhere.What has aroused the most interest for me as a journalist at the time were two aspects:

a) the passage of the inhabitants of Albania near the border zone in Kosovo in the name of re-acquaintance with their blood people; and

b) using the "opening" of the border to exit Kosovo to the west and opening shops and businesses in Albania. …

Self-Control Training For Parents Of Children With Autism And Related Disabilities In Albania, Amanda Jane Petersen

Theses and Dissertations

Self-control can be defined as the ability to select a larger, later reward over a smaller, sooner reward. This ability, also known as gratification delay, has been highly correlated with academic competence and success. Studies that examine gratification delay have identified strategies that have been observed to increase the delay time to reward. This study examined the extent to which parents of children with Autism or a related disability could be trained to teach these strategies. Participants were seven mothers who were all ethnic Albanian. The results indicated that these mothers were able to teach the three strategies they were …

Albanian Internal And International Migration, Edmond Dragoti, Emanuela Ismaili

UBT International Conference

Albania’s international and internal migrations remain complex phenomena to describe and quantify. Irregular migration adds more complexity to understanding international migration and estimates fluctuate across sources of information. As a result, international and internal migration has collectively changed the demographic landscape of Albania. The consequences go beyond the total population estimate and affect other domains, such as the overall economic and infrastructure changes in the country, the labor market, and gender- and age- ratios. This study attempted to uncover some of the characteristics of contemporary Albanian migration, the paths and trajectories and the rationale behind them, whereas the estimates provided …

Causes, Effects, And Possible Solutions To Blood Feuding In Albania, Gabe Cyrus, Kelly Fischer, Jessica Stricker, Abigail O'Neel, Celeste Davis

The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)

The goal of this presentation is to inform the audience about the causes, effects, and possible solutions of blood feuding in Albania, which has resulted in the deaths of approximately 12,100 people since 1991. Albania contains one of the few remaining cultures that is still partaking in blood feuding. Blood feuding began in the 1600s and resumed after the fall of communism in the absence of a strong governing body. The Kanun sets forth the rules of blood feuding, but they are not always followed as they were intended. Cultural values influence the course of blood feuding and make it …

National Capacities And Residual Contamination I Albania, Gichd

Global CWD Repository

This case study forms part of a broader GICHD study on national capacities and residual contamination. The purpose of this report is to document Albania’s experience of developing national systems and capacities to address residual contamination and to identify and present good practices and lessons learnt.

Judicial Corruption In Eastern Europe: An Examination Of Causal Mechanisms In Albania And Romania, Claire M. Swinko

Senior Honors Projects, 2010-2019

Judicial corruption is a complex phenomenon that continues to be an endemic problem in many countries around the world today. The countries of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) in particular have struggled to curb their judicial corruption levels since the fall of communism. Their systemic corruption problems are a hindrance to their respective democratization processes, including many countries’ prospective accessions to the European Union (EU). This paper seeks to examine causes of judicial corruption in Albania and Romania in an effort to better understand how and why corruption has become widespread. Additionally, this paper traces causal mechanisms over a seventeen-year …

The Politics Of Electoral Systems In The Former Yugoslav Republic Of Macedonia, Dardan Berisha

Indiana Journal of Constitutional Design

The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (“FYROM”) experienced four major changes to its electoral system in the eight parliamentary elections held between 1990 and 2014. The Macedonian 1990 and 1994 parliamentary elections were held under a majority system, in which 120 members of the Parliament were elected from 120 constituencies, one member per constituency. A mixed-majority/proportional representation (“PR”) system was adopted for the 1998 elections, in which eighty-five seats were elected under the majority system from the constituencies, and thirty-five seats were elected proportionally from a nation-wide electoral district. Yet another system was adopted for the 2002 elections, in which …

Stepping Up: Burden Sharing By Nato's Newest Members, Joel Hillison

Joel R. Hillison

This book examines the burden sharing behavior of new NATO members. It makes the argument that new NATO members are burden sharing at a greater rate than older NATO members. It also suggests that NATO’s expansion did not lead to greater free-riding behavior in NATO, contrary to the predictions of the collective action literature. This analysis reveals that new NATO members have demonstrated the willingness to contribute to NATO missions, but are often constrained by their limited capabilities. This argument is supported using case studies, interviews with key NATO officials, and quantitative analysis of NATO defense expenditures and troop contributions. …

Aiming For Certainty: The Kanun, Blood Feuds And The Ascertainment Of Customary Law, Sandra F. Joireman

Political Science Faculty Publications

Customary law is an alternative legal framework to statute or public law. In the past the existence of customary law was viewed as problematic due to the uncertainty which accompanies legal pluralism. Increasingly, scholars are recognizing legal pluralism as simply a reality to be negotiated, rather than a problem. One frequently proposed solution to the difficulties posed by the existence of customary law is to write it down, or ascertain it, in order to provide for legal certainty. This article addresses this goal in three parts. The first part describes customary law and how it functions in its uncodified form …

The Influence Of The European Union Membership Requirements On The Development Of Two Western Balkan Countries, Albania And Macedonia, Bedrie Matoshi

Dissertations and Theses

No abstract provided.

Perspectives On Disability And Community Engagement In Albania: Developing Mutual Understanding Through The Sharing Of Individual Narratives, Lucia Murillo

Doctoral Dissertations

This study explores current perspectives on disability in Albania by bringing into discourse the voice of families and community members in order to learn how history, tradition, and family values influence individual or community response to having or being in community alongside children with special needs.

Research Theory and Protocol

I carried out this research using critical hermeneutic theory. The protocol followed an interpretive approach as outlined by Ellen Herda (1999). This orientation brought the researcher and participants together and used narratives as a medium for participatory inquiry.

Research Categories

The critical hermeneutic concepts of narrative identity, mimesis, and communicative …

Adapt, Adopt Or Create New Approaches? Albania And The Question Of An Emerging Country In The Field Of Public Relations, Jetmira Karanxha

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this thesis is to provide a description of the emerging state of the public relations field in Albania under the framework and influence of four main public relations worldviews including persuasive/marketing, relationship management, community building, and personal influence. This study seeks to give insights into how an emerging country in the field of public relations approaches the development of the field; whether it adapts, adopts or creates new practices. The research design proposed by the author aims to shed some light on possible theoretical meanings and themes that could be developing in countries where the field of …

The Eu As A Democracy Promoter: Can The Eu Use Albania’S Ambitions For Membership To Strengthen Democracy In The Balkans?, Joana Allamani

Claremont-UC Undergraduate Research Conference on the European Union

No abstract provided.

Mine Action Support For Armed Violence Reduction: Mission Creep Or Responding To Wider Security Needs? Policy Brief, Gichd

Global CWD Repository

he policy brief summarises the findings of GICHD study into the role of mine action organisations in reducing armed violence.

The 12 case studies profile the AVR-related programmes of different organisations.

Download policy brief and case studies in English, with some versions in French and Spanish

Albania Mine and Munitions Coordination Office's and DanChurchAid's UXO hotspot clearance project in Albania

Action On Armed Violence's post-conflict rehabilitation and reintegration programme in Liberia

DanChurchAid’s SALW awareness raising project in Burundi

Danish Demining Group’s Community Safety Programmes in Somaliland and Uganda

HALO Trust’s reintegration of former combatants into demining in Afghanistan

Handicap International’s …

Transitioning Mine Action Programmes To National Ownership I Albania, Gichd

Global CWD Repository

In response to the limited guidance on the topic of transition to national ownership, the GICHD commissioned nine country case studies in 2011 to highlight different contexts, processes, challenges, good practices and lessons learnt from the process of transition to national ownership.

Based on lessons learnt and the good practices highlighted in the case studies, the GICHD, in collaboration with UNMAS, produced a Guide on Transitioning Mine Action Programmes to National Ownership.

Albania Makes Progress In Demilitarization, Matt Goodyear

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

With the goal of destroying all excess munitions by 2013, the Albanian government is working to eliminate stockpiles of excess military munitions. Following a 2008 deadly explosion at a munitions dismantling factory, the government established safer mandates and successfully destroyed thousands of tons of munitions.

Demining Albania 2000–2009: Successes And Lessons Learned, Gregor Sancanin

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Following the 1999 Kosovo conflict, Albania sought the most efficient method for demining its land. Mine-action efforts were effectively jump-started with the creation of the Albanian Mine Action Executive, as well as the ratification of the Ottawa Convention. Support from mine-clearance partners and international donors has significantly enhanced the demining effort. This article reviews lessons learned in the process of demining Albania that can be used in future mine-clearance operations.

The Role Of Education On Awareness Of Ammunition-Dismantling Risks, Brunilda Zenelaga

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

The blasts from an ammunition dismantling factory in Gërdec, Albania, an accident caused by untrained employees at the facility, resulted in deaths and injuries and damaged homes for factory workers and nearby villagers in March 2008. This article suggests that training employers and workers to follow necessary safety procedures, as well as raising village awareness of the dangers of these ammunitions facilities, will help prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.

The Reintegration Of Landmine Survivors In Mine-Affected Northeast Albania, Melanie Reimer

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

No abstract provided.

Basic Legal Concepts In Anti-Corruption: Defining Jurisdiction, Civil Remedies, And Damages In The Case Of Albania, Bryane Michael

Bryane Michael (bryane.michael@stcatz.ox.ac.uk)

This article describes the basic legal concepts involved in an anti-corruption programme. The article provides an easy-to-understand glossary of legal terms and provides most of the legal logic behind the legislative reforms occurring in Albania (among other places).

Konceptet Ligjore Bazë Të Anti-Korrupsionit: Përcaktimi I Juridiksionit, Zgjidhjet Civile Dhe Dëmshpërblimet - Rasti I Shqipërisë, Bryane Michael

Bryane Michael (bryane.michael@stcatz.ox.ac.uk)

Ndonëse për më shumë se 10 vjet organizatat ndërkomëtare, të tilla si Organizata për Bashkëpunim Ekonomik dhe Zhvillim (OECD), Këshilli i Evropës (KE) dhe Kombet e Bashkuara (OKB) e kanë ndihmuar Shquipërinë në mënyrë të tillë që ajo të adoptojë masa ligjore për të luftuar korrupsionin, fushatat antikorrupsion shpesh nuk kanë pasur rezultatet e dëshirurara për reduktimin e korrupsionit. Ky artikull shqyrton konceptet ligjore bazë të antikorrupsionit në përgjithësi duke i apiluar më pas këto koncepte në rastin e Shquipërise në vecanti. Qëllimi është ofrimi i një guide praktike, të frymëzuar nga literatura akademike në fushën e antikorrupsionit, për zyratrët …

Evaluation Of The Albanian Mine Action Programme, Mike Kendellan, Sharmala Naidoo, Faiz Paktian

Global CWD Repository

The evaluation is to generate recommendations for the Government of Albania, AMAC and AMAE to further develop the national mine action structure and programme in order to develop a mine action system which ensures meaningful consultation across concerned ministries and with key stakeholders. The evaluation is to generate recommendations for the Government of Albania, AMAC and AMAE to further develop the national mine action structure and programme in order to develop a mine action system which ensures meaningful consultation across concerned ministries and with key stakeholders. The general approach was for a multi-staged process, facilitating the emergence of a common …