ALBANIA-KOSOVO | Could They Really UNITE?

There has been increased discussion about the possibility of unification between Albania and Kosovo. Importantly, the idea has been explicitly supported by the leaders of Kosovo's largest political party and its new prime minister, Albin Kurti. It also seems to have the support of the Albanian Prime Minister, Edi Rama. But it is an idea that is also extremely controversial and has been repeatedly rejected by the wider international community, including most of Kosovo and Albania's Western partners. So, what lies behind the idea of unification? And could Kosovo and Albania really unite?

Hello and welcome! My name is James Ker-Lindsay. Here I take an informed look at International Relations with a focus on territorial conflicts, secession, independence movements and new countries. If you like what you see, please do subscribe. If you want more, including exclusive content and benefits, consider becoming a channel member. Many thanks!

The creation of an independent Albania in 1913 left almost half the Albanian people living in neighbouring states. As a result, many Albanians have long supported the idea of unification between the Albanian speaking territories of the Western Balkans. However, others are more modest and propose to focus on unification between Kosovo and Albania. But could this happen? While the idea may be superficially appealing, it isn't clear whether it would really enjoy widespread support. More to the point, there are huge legal and political impediments to the idea.

CHAPTERS
0:00 Introduction and Titles
0:40 Renewed talk of Kosovo-Albania unification
1:55 Background to Kosovo and Albania
2:57 The history of Albania and the Albanians
5:34 Why is there talk of unification?
8:25 Could Kosovo and Albania really unite?
10:55 Wider international opposition to unification

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KEYWORDS

#Kosovo #Albania #Unification
#InternationalPolitics #CurrentAffairs #InternationalRelations
#Secession #Statehood #Independence
#InternationalLaw #InternationalHistory

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[JamesKerLindsay]

The subject of unification between Kosovo and Albania is fascinating. There is certainly a logic to it. But could it ever happen? And will it ever happen? Thoughts and comments below.

[tadaspaskevicius]

It would be interesting to see this type of video about the possible unification of Romania and Moldova.

[LexUniverse]

I have actually traveled from Belgrade to Pristina a few days ago and I couldn't be more surprised. It was like traveling between two different worlds... Pristina seemed so much more "western-like"...
and to the topic - there are so many Albanian flags in the city... even at the official buildings

[PetritAhmeti]

Albin Kurti stated it pretty well... he said "is a country truly independent if it cannot choose what it does with it's own independence?" (referencing "kosovo can not join another country")

[andirrugia]

We not neibors, we ONE blood ! Obviously we have niebours, very bad one's, expanding in our land, becoming big serbia, big greece, big macedonia, big macedonia. Long live Ethnik Albania!

[juliette]

Interesting video, Albania lost in 1913 unjustly more 60% of territority, given to neighbor countries by London Conference, and in those territories ethnic albanians have many years being assimilated, even nowadays, in my personal opinion now its time to make justice for all albanians, a small country but destroyed and stolen many times during history, and still they kept their language (isolated indo-european) and their traditions intact, uninfluenced by occupators.Albanians must gain their rights and stolen territories.

[HA-mnsi]

Kosova and Albania were divided by force. Now it’s time to reunite and form the NATURAL Albania!

[ioniangaming]

Albania and Kosovo are like brother and sister. But we are living in different houses. One day we will have one house that is called Albania because I;m Kosovan but in my heart im Albanian

[Helmuesi]

I’m Albanian Malësor, from Montenegro and I support my brothers and sisters in Kosovo ..
Një bashkim kombëtar 🇦🇱🇦🇱🇦🇱

[buki_zvani_pera]

Formal unification might not happen for all reasons you mentioned, but the border and customs between Albania and Kosovo are basically non-existent (people and goods move freely). Majority of Kosovo Albanians possess Albanian passport, so there are no limitations for them

[kastrioti]

As an Albanian from Kosovo, I would prefer an unification of Kosovo with Albania, but only as a state. Like United States of America.

[rickastley]

We are not neighbors, we are brothers, we are more than brothers we are one blood

[fredbeard]

I find the idea of a joint president and “unification by stealth” to be one of the more interesting ideas proposed. Historically speaking, personal unions (which I’m assuming a joint president would be) are very rare among republics and hasn’t been tried in a western style one since the Orange Free State and Transvaal Republics in 1860.

[dannzelenin]

Im from Bulgaria and I love Albanians. I wish you guys to united with your lands and be victorious.

[Roni_]

Israel should of returned the favour much earlier to recognise Kosovo as us Albanians risked our lives by helping them during the holocaust and by saving them from the Germans.

[stopinjorancestuaj]

If the same peoples, divided in two different stases, want to unite and the world will not accept that, that's not a free world than.
Live and let peoples live their lives!

[legoshi]

Please cover the possible unification of Romania and Moldova, it would be interesting

[AcikaGamerSRB]

Kosovo isn't even an independent country to choose if it will join another country.Kosovo is a rightful part of Serbia.

[luigishala]

If Israel managed to survive and exist, Kosovo and Albania can unite despite the odds.

[diellibetim]

Kosovo and Albania will always be united no matter what