Greek-Albanian Relations, the Past, the Present and the Future

Abstract

Greek-Albanian relations can be considered as a complex relation, but at the same time with the highest potential for success in the region compared to the relations that Greece has established with the other immediate neighbours in the Balkans. These relations has passed through a continues fruition developments and sometimes with hindering situations that are deeply rooted in the history of the two nations. This can be noticed from some fundamental historical moments such as the creation of the Modern Greek state and the Albanian state, which have a constant influence in the way how current relationships are setup. It can be considered as an interdependent, vital and vibrant relation built upon a complexity of challenges, ready to generate new challenges and imposed balances, at least in the historical perspective. Greece and Albania share a similar history in many aspects, but at the same time, there are unifying and distinguishing aspects between the two countries and nations, like everywhere in the Balkans; history mostly divides nations rather than unites them. Referring to the historic ground of this relation, in this paper we will reveal the key factors that bear the heavy lift off the past, which prevails rather than the desire to have a better future.