The Phase of Self-Isolation

This chapter examines Albania’s self-isolation phase. The breakdown of relations with China in 1978 contributed to a climate of self-isolation among the Albanian communist leadership. Isolation took political, economic, cultural, and diplomatic forms. Borrowing was prohibited, foreign investments were banned, tourism and trade were restricted, and foreign specialists were expelled from the country. The policy of isolation appeared as a kind of preventive measure against “external and internal enemies.” The chapter highlights the unique ideological character of Albanian isolationism throughout its history. Self-isolation occurred as a result of the rigid interpretation of Marxist-Leninist ideology, claiming Albania as a “fortress of socialism” surrounded by enemies. This served Hoxha to consolidate the regime’s control and justify the violation of human rights and freedoms. Within such ideological logic, Albania did not sign the Helsinki Final Act and refused to establish diplomatic relations with the USA and the USSR, while maintaining only formal diplomatic relations with China. The chapter concludes that the consequences of self-isolation were huge. In Albania, trade levels decreased, negatively affecting economic and social development. Serious deficits were also recorded in the educational, scientific, and technological levels. Albania in the 1980s became the poorest country in Europe. The ban on emigration, travel abroad, and cultural exchange strengthened political control, isolating society psychologically.