ALBANIAN NATIONALISM – AS A PLATFORM FOR NATIONAL REVIVAL
Flamur Bucpapaj
National Platform of Albanian Nationalism – Strategic Statement
Observing the continuous attacks on national interests and Albanian companies, as well as the undermining of our values and national identity, we, Nacional.al and Flamur Bucpapaj, are committed to providing an open and comprehensive platform for all those who believe in:
The sovereignty of Albania
The protection of the interests of Albanians everywhere
The strengthening of the state and national economy
Purpose of the Platform
To offer an informative and political space where every Albanian can contribute and engage in national issues.
To protect Albanian companies, institutions, and values from foreign influence and uncontrolled attacks.
To create a network of solidarity and cooperation among citizens, organizations, and patriotic elites.
Principles of the Platform
Transparency and accountability: Every activity and decision of the platform is published and monitored by citizens.
Citizen engagement: Everyone who identifies with the platform’s mission can contribute through debates, projects, and national initiatives.
Protection of national interests: Every decision, project, or public statement aligns with the interests of Albanians and the sovereignty of the country.
Strategic cooperation: Partnerships with institutions and allies that support Albanian causes regionally and globally.
Albanian nationalism, in its authentic sense, is not hatred towards other nations, but unconditional love for the nation, land, and culture. In today’s reality, after three decades of distorted transition, Albania and Albanian territories face a dual threat:
Erosion of sovereignty from outside, due to the lack of defensive capacity and international political pressure.
Capture of the state from within, due to corruption, absence of political rotation, and the dependence of elites on foreign interests.
In this context, Albanian nationalism in a patriotic, democratic form, in strategic alliance with the USA, becomes a historical necessity.
Role of the New Patriotic Nationalism
A renewed nationalism, re-established and future-oriented, should not be exclusivist or radical, but based on clear principles and concrete strategies that strengthen sovereignty and national unity.
Democratic Patriotism
The new nationalism must promote the protection of the rights of Albanians everywhere, while respecting the rights of other peoples and international norms.
Concrete measures:
Monitoring the rights of Albanian communities in the region and diaspora.
Cultural and educational initiatives to preserve language and national identity.
Active diplomatic policies to support Albanians outside Albania.
Positive outcomes:
Increases Albanians’ trust in state institutions.
Consolidates Albania’s reputation as a democratic and law-abiding state.
Strategic Alliance with the USA
Cooperation with the USA offers a guarantee of security and territorial stability, countering regional pressures from neighbors and foreign influences.
Concrete measures:
Military agreements and joint training exercises.
Economic and technological cooperation on strategic projects.
Use of American expertise to strengthen state institutions.
Positive outcomes:
Converts formal sovereignty into effective sovereignty capable of protecting national interests.
Strengthens Albania’s position in the Balkans and international organizations.
Strengthening the Army and National Economy
Military strength and economic capacity are the foundations of real sovereignty.
Concrete measures:
Modernization of the army and development of strategic national industries.
Industrial policies supporting domestic production and energy independence.
Monitoring and management systems for national resources.
Positive outcomes:
Reduces dependence on foreign countries.
Provides real protection of territory and economic strengthening for the population.
Political Rotation and Meritocracy
To break the rigid system of elites, the new nationalism must support mandatory political rotation and the promotion of merit.
Concrete measures: Positive Outcomes
Reduces dependence on foreign countries.
Ensures real protection of the territory and strengthens the economy for the population.
Political Rotation and Meritocracy
To break the rigid system of elites, the new nationalism must support mandatory political rotation and the promotion of merit.
Concrete measures:
Laws requiring rotation of leaders in major parties and state institutions.
Transparent systems for selecting new leaders.
Support for young and talented individuals in politics and administration.
Positive outcomes:
Reduces corruption and clientelism.
Increases citizen participation and trust in democracy.
National Unity
The new nationalism aims to create coordinated inter-Albanian policies, including Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and the diaspora.
Concrete measures:
An inter-Albanian national council for political, economic, and cultural coordination.
Joint educational, cultural, and infrastructure projects.
Promotion of national identity and cooperation among Albanian communities.
Positive outcomes:
Strengthens the diplomatic and economic power of Albanians.
Preserves and reinforces cultural ties and national identity.
Facilitates regional cooperation and strategic integration.
This new patriotic nationalism is not merely a political idea but a comprehensive strategy to strengthen the state, economy, army, and national unity, ensuring that Albania becomes a sovereign, powerful, and respected state in the Balkans and the world.
Limited Sovereignty
Although Albania is formally a sovereign state and a NATO member, the current reality shows that this sovereignty is limited and often dependent on external factors. This situation stems from several interconnected reasons:
Lack of functional military strength
The Albanian army is severely limited in structure, numbers, and equipment.
It lacks the capacity to defend the entire state border in case of aggression.
Most of the armaments are outdated and unsuitable for modern warfare, while training and readiness are minimal.
The Air Force is practically non-existent operationally: lacking fighter jets, advanced radar systems, and air defense capabilities.
The navy has few patrol vessels and insufficient capacity to protect territorial waters and maritime resources.
Strategic dependence on NATO
As a NATO member, Albania has assumed obligations to contribute to collective security, but in practice it has remained largely a security consumer, not a real provider.
Any national defense scenario relies almost entirely on foreign intervention, mainly American, leaving the country unprotected in case of isolation or an international crisis where NATO may not respond immediately.
Lack of industrial and technological capabilities
Albania does not produce heavy weapons, combat vehicles, electronic military systems, or strategic equipment.
The former military industry (munitions factories, armament depots, tank repair centers) has been destroyed or privatized without strategy.
Total dependence on weapon imports makes the country vulnerable to economic and political pressure.
Impact on foreign and domestic policy
A country without real defensive capacities is forced to follow the political line of major powers or stronger neighboring states.
In regional negotiations, Albania often holds a weak position due to lacking the leverage provided by a modern army.
This makes it difficult to protect national interests on sensitive issues such as maritime borders, the rights of Albanians in the region, or the exploitation of natural resources.
Historical Analysis of Sovereignty Weakening
After the 1990s, following the fall of the communist regime, the Albanian army was gradually dismantled.
Some units disbanded, armament depots were looted or destroyed, and much weapons production technology was lost.
Uncontrolled privatizations and the lack of strategic investments in defense industries led to full dependence on foreign imports.
The first NATO troops stationed in Albania after accession were not intended to strengthen the Albanian army but to guarantee regional security without serious state investment.
Strategic consequences
Albania lacks the capacity to conduct independent military operations, making it dependent on allies’ decisions in every crisis.
Weak armed forces directly affect foreign policy, forcing the country to accept unfavorable agreements or positions for national interests.
The state cannot effectively defend economic and energy sovereignty, as the lack of defensive capacity allows political pressure from neighbors and foreign investors.
Additional factors weakening sovereignty
Lack of technology and innovation: Albania has no factories producing modern weapons or military intelligence technology.
This creates a significant gap with neighboring countries and NATO standards. Dependence on Foreign Energy and Food Resources
Decisions regarding the import of energy, gas, or food place Albania in a strategically weak position.
Weakness of civilian structures in case of war or emergencies
There are no national coordination centers for civil defense.
The population is not trained for emergency situations, which increases the country’s vulnerability.
Political fragmentation and lack of national unity
Without political unity and full coordination among institutions and Albanian territories, any defense strategy is incomplete and often symbolic.
Political Capture and Lack of Rotation
Current situation
In Albania, the same political actors have held power for over 30 years, often alternating in government but maintaining real control over key state institutions.
This has created a captured and oligarchic system, where political and economic power is concentrated in the hands of a few families and powerful groups, while citizens have little real influence.
Lack of new leadership
Major parties lack a strong mechanism to select new leaders.
Younger generations are often excluded from decision-making, making the political scene closed to the same actors.
Without new leaders, fresh ideas, and different approaches, the country stagnates and cannot respond to modern challenges.
Lack of fair competition
The electoral system often favors large parties and does not allow equal competition for new actors.
This creates formal democracy, where elections exist on paper, but real change in power does not occur.
The same individuals continue to define economic policies, security, and international relations, often serving personal rather than national interests.
Consequences for the state and sovereignty
Weakening of democracy: Without real rotation, democratic mechanisms fail, and citizens lose trust in institutions.
Corruption and nepotism flourish, creating an elite unaccountable to the people.
Sovereignty undermined: Strategic decisions taken by the same actors for decades leave the country vulnerable to foreign pressures.
Economic and social stagnation: Without healthy political competition, there is no incentive for real reforms. Foreign investments and national projects are often politically influenced, not strategically necessary.
Youth emigration: Young people lose hope and emigrate, causing depopulation and weakening human capital.
Historical background
After the fall of the communist regime in 1991, political pluralism brought hope, but the lack of internal mechanisms for rotation and transparency enabled the dominance of a few groups.
In recent decades, this resulted in a “politicization of the state,” where administration, judiciary, and oversight bodies are under direct influence of old leaders.
Need for change
Mandatory rotation of leadership in major parties and state institutions.
Open and competitive candidacy for young and merit-based individuals.
Strong anti-corruption laws and full transparency to ensure power is not concentrated in the hands of a few.
Civic education and political engagement of youth to restore popular control over power.
Corruption and Dependence on Foreign Interests
Connections of political elites to foreign interests
In recent decades, some Albanian political elites have developed close financial, strategic, and diplomatic ties with regional and global powers, often serving the direct interests of Serbia, Greece, and international lobbies, sometimes at the expense of national interests.
Foreign investments often serve as a tool for political influence.
Strategic projects (energy, infrastructure, concessions) are frequently dictated by foreign interests, not national needs.
This creates dual dependence: economic and political, making the country vulnerable to international pressure.
Domestic policy orientation
Many political decisions are not based on a national vision but on survival calculations of the main actors.
Laws and reforms are often approved to favor certain individuals, ignoring citizens’ real needs.
Foreign policy is frequently influenced by personal interests of leaders, leaving the country weak and unclear in international relations.
Consequences of corruption and dependence
Economic weakening: Many natural resources and strategic projects are exploited by foreigners, with minimal benefit to the state and citizens. Foreign investments rarely generate long-term employment or sustainable development.
Political sovereignty at risk: Strategic decisions may be influenced by foreign interests, undermining independence in energy, infrastructure, and security.
Citizen demoralization: Citizens lose trust in institutions as they see national power and resources used for the benefit of a few and foreign actors.
Necessary solutions
Strong anti-corruption laws with severe penalties for actions linked to foreign interests against the state.
Full transparency of contracts with foreign investors.
Creation of a national strategic oversight agency to protect state interests from external influence.
National Fragmentation
Lack of shared vision
Ethnic Albania is divided across Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Presheva Valley, Chameria, and the diaspora.
The absence of a common vision for development, protection, and cultural-political unity weakens national strength.
Domestic policies often lack coordination with Albanian communities abroad, increasing fragmentation.
Weakening of ties among Albanians
Economic, cultural, and educational relations among Albanians in different territories are weak.
Political and diplomatic cooperation between Albania, Kosovo, and the diaspora is not strategic and often sporadic.
This fragmentation weakens the nation in regional and international negotiations due to the absence of a unified and coordinated policy.
Strategic consequences
Political and diplomatic weakening: Albanians lack a strong voice in the Balkans and international organizations.
Economic and social weakening: Infrastructure, education, and cultural projects do not include all Albanian communities, creating gaps among territories.
Risk to national identity: Lack of cultural and educational coordination may lead to loss of language, traditions, and historical connections among territories.
Necessary solutions
Creation of a Permanent National Albanian Council, with representatives from all territories and the diaspora, to coordinate strategic policies.
Close economic, cultural, and educational cooperation, including youth exchanges and joint projects.
Promotion of a shared vision for ethnic Albania, where national interests prevail over regional or personal interests.
Core Principles of Albanian Nationalism
Active Patriotism
Active patriotism is the continuous commitment to defending national interests, both inside and outside Albania’s borders.
Concrete measures:
Monitoring and defending the rights of Albanians in the diaspora and territories outside Albania (Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Presheva Valley, Chameria).
Economic and diplomatic policies supporting development and territorial integrity of all Albanians.
Cultural, educational, and media projects to preserve national identity and strengthen national awareness.
Strategic outcomes:
(Increase Civic Awareness and Engagement
Raises civic awareness and engagement on national issues.
Ensures that the interests of Albanians are prioritized in international relations.
Strengthens identity and solidarity among Albanian territories.
Functional Democracy
Definition: A political system based on mandatory rotation and real citizen participation in decision-making.
Concrete measures:
Laws mandating leadership rotation in political parties and state institutions.
Increasing transparency and accountability of the government to citizens.
Engagement of youth and civic groups in consultations and strategic decision-making.
Strategic outcomes:
Reduces corruption and clientelism in public institutions.
Encourages citizen participation and develops a stable, trustworthy democracy.
Ensures elections and policies reflect the real interests of the people, not permanent elites.
Strengthening the State
Definition: Building a strong and resilient state with a modern military, robust economy, and independent judiciary.
Concrete measures:
Modernization of the military and development of full territorial defense capabilities.
Industrial policies supporting domestic production and energy independence.
Judicial and public institution reforms to ensure justice, transparency, and independence.
Strategic outcomes:
Provides real sovereignty and the ability to defend the country from internal and external pressures.
Increases economic stability and investor confidence.
Strengthens the legitimacy of the state and its capacity to manage crises.
Strategic Alliances
Definition: An inseparable partnership with the USA and countries supporting Albanian interests for security and development.
Concrete measures:
Strong military agreements, training, and cooperation in intelligence and security.
Joint economic and technological projects for strategic development.
Political consultations and coordination in international forums to protect Albanian territories.
Strategic outcomes:
Strengthens Albania’s position in the Balkans and international organizations.
Reduces pressure and influence from neighbors and foreign lobbying.
Provides real protection and stability for Albanians in the region.
National Unity
Definition: Joint policies and coordination among all Albanian territories to preserve identity, strengthen the economy, and ensure strategic development.
Concrete measures:
Creation of the Albanian National Council, with representatives from all territories and the diaspora.
Economic, educational, and cultural cooperation among Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and the diaspora.
Projects and programs promoting Albanian identity, language, and traditions.
Strategic outcomes:
Strengthens the diplomatic and economic power of Albanians in the Balkans and globally.
Reduces political and cultural fragmentation.
Ensures national interests are prioritized over regional or personal interests.
Defense and Political Reform
Defense Reform
Goal: To create a modern and functional army capable of defending Albania’s sovereignty and national interests, based on the principles of new patriotic nationalism.
Key elements:
Active army of at least 30,000 troops.
Building a professional, well-trained structure capable of internal security and border defense.
Emphasis on meritocracy and specialization, eliminating political influence and clientelism in military recruitment.
Modern Air Force
Equipped with advanced fighter jets (F-16, Mirage) for air defense and integration into international alliances (e.g., NATO).
Development of aircraft capabilities for surveillance, strategic transport, and civil support in emergencies.
Missile and Anti-Drone Defense Network
Deployment of modern systems to protect strategic cities, industries, and critical infrastructure.
Integration with NATO systems for alert and defense coordination.
Civilian Emergency Training
Formation of civilian structures trained for emergencies (natural disasters, terrorist attacks, or military crises).
Education in self-defense, emergency management, and cooperation with the army and security institutions.
Expected outcomes:
Increases real sovereignty and capacity for strategic decision-making without foreign dependence.
Provides protection for citizens and critical infrastructure.
Strengthens diplomatic position and strategic alliances, enhancing regional influence.
Political Reform
Goal: To create a transparent, accountable, and meritocratic political system that eliminates oligarchy and increases citizen participation.
Key elements:
Limitation of Prime Minister and President mandates to a maximum of two terms. Political Reform
Goal: To create a transparent, accountable, and meritocratic political system that eliminates the oligarchy of permanent elites and increases citizen participation.
Key elements:
Limitation of Prime Minister and President terms to a maximum of two mandates
Ensures mandatory rotation and prevents the accumulation of power in the hands of an individual or a small group.
Improves governance and forces leadership to plan for the country’s long-term and sustainable development.
Opening of electoral lists and elimination of blocking thresholds for new parties
Increases citizen participation and allows new parties to enter parliament.
Strengthens pluralism and political competition, making politics fairer and more transparent.
Asset control for politicians and judges
Creation of an independent mechanism to audit assets and sources of political financing.
Severe sanctions for false declarations or hiding of assets.
Reduces the influence of corruption and foreign interests on domestic politics.
Expected outcomes:
Increases citizens’ trust in state institutions and democracy.
Reduces corruption and clientelism.
Promotes meritocracy and decision-making based on skills and vision, not personal connections or narrow interests.
Integration of Reforms into National Strategy
Defense: The army and civil capacities protect national interests and ensure real sovereignty.
Politics: Rotation and asset control create a transparent and meritocratic system.
Combined effect: A militarily, economically, and politically strong Albania capable of realizing a shared vision for ethnic Albania and regional strategic interests.
Program for Poverty Reduction and Family Support
State Intervention in the Economy to Reduce Poverty
Goal: Active state intervention in the economic sector to guarantee minimum living standards and development opportunities for every Albanian family.
Concrete measures:
Direct investment in the production and industrial sector, creating stable, well-paid jobs.
Subsidies and low-interest loans for young entrepreneurs and farmers.
Universal social insurance programs guaranteeing support for families in need and pensioners.
Positive outcomes:
Significant reduction in poverty.
Economic stability and increased domestic consumption.
Strengthening of the middle class and reduction of social inequalities.
Public Housing and Support for New Families
Goal: Provide sustainable housing for newlyweds and large families, creating social policies focused on family development and population growth.
Concrete measures:
Public housing and free distribution:
The state builds high-quality housing complexes for newlyweds and large families.
Priority is given to low-income families and those actively contributing to local community development.
Support for newly married couples:
Provision of homes or grants for purchase or renovation.
Subsidies for household appliances and basic expenses in the first years of marriage.
Support for large families:
Larger homes and financial incentives for every child born above a certain number.
Tax exemptions for families with three or more children.
Community centers and social services supporting children’s education and health.
Positive outcomes:
Raises living standards for new families and reduces inherited poverty.
Encourages population growth and sustainable demographic development.
Strengthens citizens’ connection with the state, increasing trust in institutions and social policies.
Long-Term Strategy for Social and Economic Development
Combining economic intervention, housing programs, and family support creates a social safety net and enables sustainable development.
Policies should be monitored and auditable to prevent corruption and mismanagement.
Vision:
An Albania where no one lives in extreme poverty, where newlyweds and families with children have real opportunities for a good life, and where the state plays an active role in community development.
Call to Albanians Everywhere
Albanians—brothers and sisters across Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Presheva Valley, Chameria, and the diaspora—our nation is going through one of its most dangerous periods since independence.
We have the flag, but not the power to defend it.
We have the land, but our resources are being sold for a fraction of their value.
We have the hardest-working people in the Balkans, but our youth are leaving every day.
Corruption, incompetence, and political betrayal have created a system where sovereignty exists only on paper.
The same people have ruled us for 30 years, enriching themselves at the expense of the people and selling national interests to Belgrade and Athens.
We have no army, no strong industry, no unified national education.
But history has taught us one thing:
Albanians do not give up.
From the League of Prizren to the Declaration of Independence, from the Kosovo War to the diaspora’s resistance, we have shown that when we unite, we are unbreakable.
Today is the time to rise again.
Not for hatred, but for the protection of our country.
Not for isolation, but for national strengthening.
Not for dictatorship, but for true democracy and rotation of power.
This Albanian Nationalism we propose is not of the past—it is of the 21st century:
Based on active patriotism and functional democracy. Closely linked with our strategic allies, above all the United States.
Focused on strengthening the state and national unity across all Albanian territories.
We need a strong army, an independent economy, a national education system, an unbiased judiciary, and new leaders who serve no one but Albania.
The time for empty words is over.
The time for action has come.
This platform is the plan.
The people are the strength.
The future is in our hands.
For a strong Albania, for a united Nation, for a future with dignity!
The Bitter Truth
Our sovereignty is limited. We do not have a capable army, full control over our natural resources, or food and energy security.
The youth are leaving. Over half a million Albanians have left the country in the last decade.
The political class is corrupt. The same people have ruled for 30 years, enriching themselves and turning the state into private plunder.
Our historical enemies benefit. Politics captured by Serbian and Greek interests has allowed national projects to fail and led to economic subjugation.
Culture and history are fading. Education is disordered, history distorted, and our language weakened.
History Has Taught Us
When Albanians are divided, they lose everything. When they unite, they become unbreakable.
The League of Prizren, Independence in 1912, the Kosovo War—these were not gifts, but victories won through sacrifice.
But today, we have forgotten a crucial lesson: Freedom cannot be preserved without strength.
A flag alone is not enough. You need power to defend it. You need an economy to feed the people. You need justice to maintain trust.
The Nationalism We Propose
This is not the blind nationalism of hatred.
It is modern, democratic, patriotic nationalism based on several pillars:
Strengthening the state with a modern army and a strong economy.
An unbreakable alliance with the United States and our Western friends.
An uncompromising fight against corruption and preventing the state from being captured by foreign interests.
National unity between Albania, Kosovo, and the diaspora.
True democracy with rotation of power and new leaders.
Time for Action
Albania cannot wait any longer.
Every year that passes without change is a year closer to the extinguishing of hope.
Every day we allow the corrupt to rule is a day we lose from our future.
This manifesto is the plan to break free from the chains of corruption and weakness.
This is a call to all Albanians, regardless of faith, region, or political belief, who want a country where our children can live with dignity.
Be Part of the Revival
If you believe Albania deserves more, this is your moment.
If you refuse to watch your country being sold piece by piece, join this platform.
If you love the flag, do not be satisfied with words—act!
The Albanian nation is only as strong as its current generation.
We are the generation that must decide: Will we be guardians of the future, or its executioners?
For a strong Albania.
For a united Nation.
For a future with dignity!
