Crossing the Adriatic: Italy’s Role in Albanian escapes during the 1980s and the Long-Term Impacts on Albanian Cultural Identity, Media, and Perceptions of the West

During the 1980s, Albania was one of the most isolated countries in the world, with strictly guarded borders and an authoritarian leadership that barred interaction with the West. Italy, being a nearby country with major cultural influence, became a primary destination for Albanians trying to exit the communist state. This study investigates the dynamics of Albanian escapes to Italy, Italy’s role in absorbing and integrating Albanian refugees, and the long-term impacts of this phenomena on Albanian culture and media. Using historical sources, archival documents, and sociological analyses the paper provides a comprehensive overview of Albania’s political climate during the 1980s, detailing the authoritarian regime, the isolationist policies, and the societal pressures that drove many Albanians to seek refuge in Italy. Moreover, the study explores the political ramifications of this movement and the Italian public’s response to the flood of Albanian migrants. It also assesses how these events shaped the perspective of the West among Albanians and how media played a transforming role in shaping post-communist identities and aspirations.