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Modern Albania: From Dictatorship to Democracy in Europe
In the early 1990s, Albania, Europe's most closed and repressive state, began a startling transition out of forty years of self-imposed Communist isolation. Previously, under strict dictatorial rule, Albanians were not allowed to practice religion, travel abroad, wear jeans, or read "decadent" Western literature. Newly embracing the free market and the possibilities of elected government, Albanians began to devour the outside world. They opened cafés, shops, and newspapers. Previously banned rock music blared in the streets. But the trouble was far from over for modern Albania; in the years that followed, the nation would be wracked with stolen elections, corruption scandals, violent protests, and the specter of an uncertain future.
Modern Albania offers a vivid history of the Albanian Communist regime's fall and the trials and tribulations that led the country to become the state it is today. The book provides an in-depth look at the Communists' last Politburo meetings and the first student revolts, the fall of the Stalinist regime, the outflows of refugees, the crash of the massive pyramid schemes, the war in neighboring Kosovo, and Albania's evolving relationship with the United States. Fred Abrahams weaves together personal experience from more than twenty years of work in Albania, interviews with key Albanians and foreigners who played a role in the country's politics--including former Politburo members, opposition leaders, intelligence agents, diplomats, and founders of the Kosovo Liberation Army--and a close examination of hundreds of previously secret government records from Albania and the United States. Documenting the nation's path from isolated dictatorship to a fledgling, pluralist democracy, Abrahams deftly explores how far Albania has come and how far it still has to go.
A rich, narratively-driven account, Modern Albania gives readers a front-row seat to the last battle of Cold War Europe.
Modern Albania offers a vivid history of the Albanian Communist regime's fall and the trials and tribulations that led the country to become the state it is today. The book provides an in-depth look at the Communists' last Politburo meetings and the first student revolts, the fall of the Stalinist regime, the outflows of refugees, the crash of the massive pyramid schemes, the war in neighboring Kosovo, and Albania's evolving relationship with the United States. Fred Abrahams weaves together personal experience from more than twenty years of work in Albania, interviews with key Albanians and foreigners who played a role in the country's politics--including former Politburo members, opposition leaders, intelligence agents, diplomats, and founders of the Kosovo Liberation Army--and a close examination of hundreds of previously secret government records from Albania and the United States. Documenting the nation's path from isolated dictatorship to a fledgling, pluralist democracy, Abrahams deftly explores how far Albania has come and how far it still has to go.
A rich, narratively-driven account, Modern Albania gives readers a front-row seat to the last battle of Cold War Europe.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published May 8, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
November 10, 2023
Anyone who wants to learn about modern Albania will find this book a lively read. Fred Abrahams lived there during much of the 1990s, and his telling of the story reads like a novel. He does a good job developing the characters of the main protagonists, warts and all, as well as of the small Balkan country.
During the early 90s, Albania underwent one of the most radical transitions in history. It went from a grim, Stalinist system, closed to the outside world for 40 years, to a democratic republic. Here’s a brief summary of what happened.
Enver Hoxha, the head of Albania’s Communist Party, came into power near the end of WWII in 1944, and ruled until his death in 1985. At Stalin’s suggestion, Hoxha renamed the Communists the Labor Party. Tolerating no dissent, he banned religion in 1967, declaring the world’s first atheist nation.
Hoxha’s successor slowly liberalized in order to avoid a major blow-up. The first free election took place in 1991, with the new Democratic Party challenging the Labor Party. Labor won, but conditions were rapidly deteriorating, and a new election was called the following year. With American support, the Democratic Party won.
Sali Berisha was the DP chairman, and became the new president. He was the most significant political figure for the next dozen years. A former communist, Berisha had little allegiance to democracy, but was extremely ambitious, and as much as he could, emulated one-man rule that his people were so familiar with. The US wanted stability in the Balkans, and wanted the only Muslim majority country in Europe to stay out of Islamist radicalism. So long as Berisha followed American wishes on those priorities, Washington was willing to tolerate or ignore his repression of dissent and opposition.
The economy grew rapidly, but it was not based upon producing goods and services to sell abroad. Instead, it was based on foreign remittances from Albanian men working in Greece and Italy, on foreign aid, and on smuggling into Yugoslavia, which was under sanctions during the Bosnian war.
Berisha and the DP ruled until 1997, when the pyramid scheme bubble burst, costing most families to lose their savings. Blaming Berisha, and tired of his abuses, Albanians voted for the former communists, now called the Socialist Party. The party leader, Fatos Nano, would lead his country for the next eight years. No longer motivated by communist ideology, the Socialists were more corrupt than the DP had been.
In 2005, Berisha made a comeback, with help from a hired consultant named Tom Ridge, former Secretary of Homeland Security, who had failed to register as a foreign lobbyist. Berisha lost in 2013, when the Socialists made a comeback under Edi Rama, who has been Prime Minister ever since.
During The Kosovo War in 1998-99, Washington strongly influenced Albanian policy. Though President Clinton always insisted his goal was merely Kosovo autonomy, not independence, that goal seems unrealistic in retrospect. Kosovo declared its independence from Serbia in 2008.
Despite democratic progress, the economy remains weak, rural areas lack modern infrastructure, and Albania is ranked one of the most corrupt nations in Europe. Things may improve some day if Albania is admitted to the European Union
The author of this book interviewed many of the key figures of the period. His balanced approach and vivid descriptions make it well worth reading. ###
During the early 90s, Albania underwent one of the most radical transitions in history. It went from a grim, Stalinist system, closed to the outside world for 40 years, to a democratic republic. Here’s a brief summary of what happened.
Enver Hoxha, the head of Albania’s Communist Party, came into power near the end of WWII in 1944, and ruled until his death in 1985. At Stalin’s suggestion, Hoxha renamed the Communists the Labor Party. Tolerating no dissent, he banned religion in 1967, declaring the world’s first atheist nation.
Hoxha’s successor slowly liberalized in order to avoid a major blow-up. The first free election took place in 1991, with the new Democratic Party challenging the Labor Party. Labor won, but conditions were rapidly deteriorating, and a new election was called the following year. With American support, the Democratic Party won.
Sali Berisha was the DP chairman, and became the new president. He was the most significant political figure for the next dozen years. A former communist, Berisha had little allegiance to democracy, but was extremely ambitious, and as much as he could, emulated one-man rule that his people were so familiar with. The US wanted stability in the Balkans, and wanted the only Muslim majority country in Europe to stay out of Islamist radicalism. So long as Berisha followed American wishes on those priorities, Washington was willing to tolerate or ignore his repression of dissent and opposition.
The economy grew rapidly, but it was not based upon producing goods and services to sell abroad. Instead, it was based on foreign remittances from Albanian men working in Greece and Italy, on foreign aid, and on smuggling into Yugoslavia, which was under sanctions during the Bosnian war.
Berisha and the DP ruled until 1997, when the pyramid scheme bubble burst, costing most families to lose their savings. Blaming Berisha, and tired of his abuses, Albanians voted for the former communists, now called the Socialist Party. The party leader, Fatos Nano, would lead his country for the next eight years. No longer motivated by communist ideology, the Socialists were more corrupt than the DP had been.
In 2005, Berisha made a comeback, with help from a hired consultant named Tom Ridge, former Secretary of Homeland Security, who had failed to register as a foreign lobbyist. Berisha lost in 2013, when the Socialists made a comeback under Edi Rama, who has been Prime Minister ever since.
During The Kosovo War in 1998-99, Washington strongly influenced Albanian policy. Though President Clinton always insisted his goal was merely Kosovo autonomy, not independence, that goal seems unrealistic in retrospect. Kosovo declared its independence from Serbia in 2008.
Despite democratic progress, the economy remains weak, rural areas lack modern infrastructure, and Albania is ranked one of the most corrupt nations in Europe. Things may improve some day if Albania is admitted to the European Union
The author of this book interviewed many of the key figures of the period. His balanced approach and vivid descriptions make it well worth reading. ###
November 8, 2024
History can be perplexing because, on one hand, it can be completely forged at one's will by their actions. On the other hand, there is plenty of foreshadowing of events that make history feel like destiny. Turmoil is the key word in explaining the energy of the history covered in Modern Albania: From Dictatorship to Democracy in Europe. Between mass hysteria, political paranoia, and rebellious counter movements, there is never a dull moment. Hope ultimately won as the citizens of Albania did achieve a happier society into the modern era. It was very engaging and supported by photographs, it was helped to build the events happening in the readers head. Personal stories offered by the author Fred Abrahams, who was present in Albania during these chaotic events, added to the value and authenticity of this book.
The story behind my desire for reading this book is that it was a gift from my mother to my grandfather. During this tumultuous era of Albania, my grandfather visited to connect with his family's roots as they immigrated to the United States at the turn of the 20th century. He has since passed, and I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to own a portion of his personal library. I find it was special to come full circle and learn more about my own heritage through a traveling gift circling back around. There was a challenge in the pronunciation of Albanian words and names for people, locations, and organizations. However, this added to the fun of reading a topic that was foreign in culture but also in actions taken by political parties and citizens of Albania. I was enlightened by the struggles of another society had to endure for proper freedom. From this reading, I have found a new appreciation for the opportunities in modernity we have and that human rights are inalienable, not a privilege.
The story behind my desire for reading this book is that it was a gift from my mother to my grandfather. During this tumultuous era of Albania, my grandfather visited to connect with his family's roots as they immigrated to the United States at the turn of the 20th century. He has since passed, and I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to own a portion of his personal library. I find it was special to come full circle and learn more about my own heritage through a traveling gift circling back around. There was a challenge in the pronunciation of Albanian words and names for people, locations, and organizations. However, this added to the fun of reading a topic that was foreign in culture but also in actions taken by political parties and citizens of Albania. I was enlightened by the struggles of another society had to endure for proper freedom. From this reading, I have found a new appreciation for the opportunities in modernity we have and that human rights are inalienable, not a privilege.
July 13, 2025
Thoroughly enjoyed. Always wondered why my parents would integrate leeks into every childhood dish until i learned it was the only veg available in supermarkets back then. Old habits die hard I guess.
August 25, 2020
Good summary of modern albanian political history
Exactly the brief political history that I was looking for. Mostly focused on end of communism and the 90s. It covers the main political figures, modern political events, and albania's relationship with the U.S. and other western actors. The pert about the 90s was strong especially the lead up and eventual collapse of communism. The section on Kosovo is good. The 2000s is probably the weakest section because it's more rushed but also not as eventful as the 90s. As the writer notes, the book is more focused on Tirana that other parts of the country, though not exclusively. I definitely would recommend this book for anyone who wants an intro into modern political history of albania and especially if they are interested in its relationship with the west.
Exactly the brief political history that I was looking for. Mostly focused on end of communism and the 90s. It covers the main political figures, modern political events, and albania's relationship with the U.S. and other western actors. The pert about the 90s was strong especially the lead up and eventual collapse of communism. The section on Kosovo is good. The 2000s is probably the weakest section because it's more rushed but also not as eventful as the 90s. As the writer notes, the book is more focused on Tirana that other parts of the country, though not exclusively. I definitely would recommend this book for anyone who wants an intro into modern political history of albania and especially if they are interested in its relationship with the west.
March 21, 2017
I've been fascinated by isolated countries since a 1980 National Geographic article on Albania. (Years later, I would work with a man who had served as a missionary in 1990s Tirana.)
Abrahams focuses on the 1990s and early aughts, when he spent several stints in the country in various capacities. As Communism fell and statues of Enver Hoxha were toppled, the glue that had held the tiny, violent, regionally divided country dissolved, and Albania was poorly equipped to copy modern Europe. War in the neighboring former Yugoslavian states created more tensions.
Well-researched, and as good an introduction as any.
Abrahams focuses on the 1990s and early aughts, when he spent several stints in the country in various capacities. As Communism fell and statues of Enver Hoxha were toppled, the glue that had held the tiny, violent, regionally divided country dissolved, and Albania was poorly equipped to copy modern Europe. War in the neighboring former Yugoslavian states created more tensions.
Well-researched, and as good an introduction as any.
July 4, 2016
A thoroughly readable and enjoyable introductory account of Albania's turbulent recent past (up to 2014) since the downfall of Communism in 1990/91. It illustrates the complexity and woes of Albania's internal politics and international relations. Being no expert, I cannot vouch for the accuracy of the book's contents, but it seems to me to be an excellent way to begin understanding what is happening in Albania today.
July 17, 2015
An objective basic account of Albania's Modern History from the beginning of the 1990s to the elections of 2013; albeit majorly focused on 1990-1997. I think Fred Abrahams does a great job of keeping an objective and critical viewpoint throughout the book, but most importantly he avoids all hear-says and speculation that plague most books written by Albanians regarding this period.
April 26, 2020
Very good overview of Albania’s recent history. Abrahams saw a lot of it up close and doubtless has strong opinions on events, but this is an even-handed and sober look at events since the death of Hoxha.
August 9, 2025
This is a very good account of Albanian politics from the end of the communist rule until the early 2010s. I would argue that the best chapters deal with the Pyramid schemes and the short-lived civil war that followed their demise. What the book misses in academic rigour, it gains in terms of the author's first-hand knowledge, his vivid style and his meticulous effort to interview as many key figures as possible. Pop politics and history at their best.
June 19, 2025
This is an excellent history of Albania from the mid-eighties to the present day. I hesitate to give the Kindle version, at least, five stars because of some editing errors (several paragraphs are repeated in the middle of the book) and typos. A timeline of key events would be helpful, too.
July 15, 2019
I would need more sources to make comparisons, but it seems to be written somehow naively? Also, with "these are the good guys, and those other ones are not" approach, as a sensationalist piece for "the West".
October 3, 2024
This is a book of very contemporary history by an outsider that has seen the situation up close. It's a page turner but make no mistake, it contains valuable insight into a region that we stopped paying attention to. And that is to our detriment. I recommend this book.
March 3, 2018
Very well-written history on modern Albania and its political wars. Essential to understanding Balkan politics as well
January 20, 2025
History as tragedy, history as farce
Fred C. Abrahams wrote about his own book in the introduction,
“This book has limitations. First, it focuses on the capital, Tirana, and the boulevard that forms its spine. Second, it deals primarily with men, who dominate Albania’s public life. Third, it mostly explores Albania’s relationship to the United States, with less attention on other countries.”
I would say that this is a very honest assessment. Abrahams knew many of the main figures of Albania’s chaotic years after the end of Communism (that had devastated the country while bringing it somewhat into the modern world) in 1991. I think he understood the motivations of these players. The book tells of how Albania slowly loosened up after supremo Hoxha’s death in 1985, how the Communist government of 45 or 46 years tottered and fell, and then of what replaced it. The Albanian elite changed its spots, or just enough spots, to claim to be now democratically-inclined. A man named Sali Berisha took charge and dominated Albanian politics for some years even when out of office. The Communist party renamed itself, reformed a bit, and managed to come back in power for a while too. Capitalism, a strange creature to most people, started off at the bottom with a massive bunch of pyramid schemes which, as always, collapsed. Albanians had no idea about such things and so were “extremely annoyed” to say the least when their money disappeared. Violence broke out, armories were looted, and some thousands of people lost their lives.
Meanwhile, neighboring Yugoslavia was breaking up into ethnic states. Serbia was not inclined to let go of Kosovo which was populated by a massive Albanian majority, but considered an essential part of Serbia. Revolt broke out, then a war which involved the US and UN. Belgrade was bombed. Huge numbers of Kosovar refugees flooded into Albania. The upshot was that Kosovo became independent, but not recognized by all countries. The refugees mostly went back.
Abrahams acknowledges the economic and social progress made despite all these ups and downs, but his central focus is on the politics. He was the observer in Albania for the Human Rights Watch and so was privy to many events and discussions open to few other outsiders. However, the book is almost a play by play record of what went on from 1992 to 2014 with the main focus on the period that stretches between 1992 and the end of the Kosovo war in 1999. Only in the epilogue do you find his own opinions of what happened, how Albania has changed (or not changed). The analogy of Albania as a drifting ship is probably accurate—would there be economic progress and democracy or more crime, corruption and cynicism? It’s well-written and seems honest to me, with the addition of some humor, but very specialized. So, unless you are interested in the details of that time—and perhaps no other Westerner could provide such details—better give this one a miss.
Fred C. Abrahams wrote about his own book in the introduction,
“This book has limitations. First, it focuses on the capital, Tirana, and the boulevard that forms its spine. Second, it deals primarily with men, who dominate Albania’s public life. Third, it mostly explores Albania’s relationship to the United States, with less attention on other countries.”
I would say that this is a very honest assessment. Abrahams knew many of the main figures of Albania’s chaotic years after the end of Communism (that had devastated the country while bringing it somewhat into the modern world) in 1991. I think he understood the motivations of these players. The book tells of how Albania slowly loosened up after supremo Hoxha’s death in 1985, how the Communist government of 45 or 46 years tottered and fell, and then of what replaced it. The Albanian elite changed its spots, or just enough spots, to claim to be now democratically-inclined. A man named Sali Berisha took charge and dominated Albanian politics for some years even when out of office. The Communist party renamed itself, reformed a bit, and managed to come back in power for a while too. Capitalism, a strange creature to most people, started off at the bottom with a massive bunch of pyramid schemes which, as always, collapsed. Albanians had no idea about such things and so were “extremely annoyed” to say the least when their money disappeared. Violence broke out, armories were looted, and some thousands of people lost their lives.
Meanwhile, neighboring Yugoslavia was breaking up into ethnic states. Serbia was not inclined to let go of Kosovo which was populated by a massive Albanian majority, but considered an essential part of Serbia. Revolt broke out, then a war which involved the US and UN. Belgrade was bombed. Huge numbers of Kosovar refugees flooded into Albania. The upshot was that Kosovo became independent, but not recognized by all countries. The refugees mostly went back.
Abrahams acknowledges the economic and social progress made despite all these ups and downs, but his central focus is on the politics. He was the observer in Albania for the Human Rights Watch and so was privy to many events and discussions open to few other outsiders. However, the book is almost a play by play record of what went on from 1992 to 2014 with the main focus on the period that stretches between 1992 and the end of the Kosovo war in 1999. Only in the epilogue do you find his own opinions of what happened, how Albania has changed (or not changed). The analogy of Albania as a drifting ship is probably accurate—would there be economic progress and democracy or more crime, corruption and cynicism? It’s well-written and seems honest to me, with the addition of some humor, but very specialized. So, unless you are interested in the details of that time—and perhaps no other Westerner could provide such details—better give this one a miss.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews