Transition to Democracy and the New Authoritarian Phenomena: The Case of Albania

Abstract

The democratic system is characterized by its most evident features, such as the presence of participation in political choices, discussions in social life, the constant presence of political opposition, etc., for this, the term polyarchy was coined to indicate democracy. With the fall of the Berlin Wall, the countries of Eastern Europe moved towards the democratic system, and the Balkan countries also, considered them countries in transition to democracy. According to Carothers, it is incorrect to speak of Countries in transition to democracy referring to any state that abandons the dictatorial form of government moving into who knows which direction. Also, as long as you are aware of the fact that a democratic country does not exist in a day, it is, however, to remember that consolidation of a democratic regime is not automatic and that we must accept the fact that a State can place itself in a grey position that can last for years and that in any case before speaking of consolidated democracy, it can alternate democratic moments, followed by new authoritarian phenomena. In essence, holding elections is not enough to be a democracy. Albania was a dictatorial country, and after the 90s it started the road to democratization. Although more than three decades have passed, it continues to be a hybrid regime. Can we consider that the new authoritarian phenomena have followed in Albania as well?

Received: 05 April 2023 / Accepted: 10 May 2023 / Published: 20 May 2023