257 Can Albania and Greece Go Toward a Conflict for the Fulfillment
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ISSN2039Ͳ2117MediterraneanJournalofSocialSciencesVol.3(6)March2012 Can Albania and Greece go Toward a Conflict for the Fulfillment of their Interests? (Liberalism vs. Realism) Ph.D Candidate Daniel Borakaj Lecturer, “Aleksander Moisiu” University, Durres, Albania e-mail: [email protected] MA. Lorena Gjergji Specialist at the “Albanian Savings & Credit Union”, Tirana, Albania e-mail: [email protected] Abstract: Liberalism can describe the Albanian – Greek relations, more than realism does. This paper is a confrontation of the game theory with sum zero and the game theory win – win. The assessment is that Liberalism gives a clear and fair view of the Albanian – Greek relations adding other elements left aside by Realism. 1) Liberalism studies plurality of actors that have influenced the Albanian – Greek relations. 2) This relation is characterized not only by individual interests of states, but also by some mutual interests. 3) Force is substituted by interaction and cooperation. Based on this logic, a projected conflict in the future of the Albanian – Greek relation can not be perceptible and it is unlikely to happen. The conclusion of this paper may be used to foresee other relations of Albania with neighbor countries. Key words: Realism; Liberalism; plurality of actors; mutual interests; cooperation. 1. Introduction Realism is one of the earliest theories of international relations. It explains and foresees the states’ actions within international relations. The most important elements in explaining reality are: state, power, national security and international system. The state is the principal actor in international relations; they do not deny the existence of other actors, but still they are not as important to study as state. Realism considers state as the sole important actor that can act in the international arena, and it must be studied to better understand the whole international system. State as the main actor takes care for the fulfillment of economic and political interests of the country. Realism as a theory is related to the power politics. It is much spread in the international relations theory. There is no actor except state that can interact or arrive to certain relations with other states. States are keen to fulfill their own interests, without paying to much attention to cooperation. (Donelly at el 2010) Power, which is seen related to the economic capabilities, is one of the basics of national security. State nature is related to human nature. If humans are conflictual and egocentric, keen to be rigid in relations with others and escalate relations to conflicts, state is the sole actor that can interact on behalf of its citizens, with the main goal, preservation of power and national security. Considering that all states are keen to follow their own national interest, trust in other states may never be complete.(Jackson & Sorensen 2005 p. 69) Liberalism is another theory of international relations, which on the contrary of realism, has a positive vision of the human nature. Based on that, liberalism has the conviction that international relations may be cooperative and not conflictual, as realism proclaims. Liberalism considers relations between actors, not only states, but other actors like: international organizations, societies, people, individuals, etc. We can notice that liberalism emphasizes actors that realism has left on the shadow. International relations are characterized from high levels of transnational connections, which are the premises of a security community. A world with a large number of transnational nets, individuals’ nets, groups’ nets, societies’ nets, states’ nets, etc. offers more possibilities for peace, cooperation and security. (Jackson & Sorensen 2005 pp. 113-116) According to liberalism we may notice that international relations are not characterized only by the interactions of states, but other actors may be much more decisive in the fulfillment of interests. This fulfillment may be the primary goal of the state, but other individuals, outside the state channel can contribute and decide on their own interests. Their interest is decisive in policies. 257 ISSN2039Ͳ2117MediterraneanJournalofSocialSciencesVol.3(6)March2012 Realism and Liberalism differentiate from one another from the classification of actors they do. One sole actor versus the plurality of actors: who can play within the international arena? Realism gives a more pessimistic panorama of all against all, and more precisely, a continuous battle between states aiming security and fulfillment of their interests. Meanwhile liberalism gives an optimistic panorama; people tend to achieve a mutual advantageous cooperation. The international relations projected by realism can be summarized in a game theory characterized by the sum zero. What is the gain and profit of one state is the lost of the other. According to Liberalism, states can accomplish their needs and interests by identifying their joint points of interest. Liberals think that they tend to create the appropriate conditions for the accomplishment of special interests, together with the mutual interests. Good faith is one of the conditions that affect the creation of a situation where states are predisposed to accomplish their interests and needs with pacific means. This kind of policy is explained by another game theory: win – win theory, which is a theory also used in the economic sciences. (Hal R. 2000) What is the gain of one state is not the lost of the other. States and actors interact and evaluate the best solutions for their common policies. Interdependence characterizes international relations and states are interdependent to each – other. Liberalism presents this element that takes states and citizens toward the economic interdependence and also political and social interdependence, culminated by peace. Interdependence is another element that affects the Albanian – Greek relations, especially in the ’90. A much known period that was characterized by the demonstration of power from Greece, is the 1939 – 1940. (Meta 2002). For almost 50 years, before the ‘90s, the interdependence relation was almost inexistent. This because of the absence of contacts both states had with each other. Nowadays the Albanian – Greek relation is characterized by many mutual points of interest and policies. Interdependence of states means a world of international relations characterized by cooperation, peace and lack of fear. In the international arena security is substituted from welfare, which is the major goal of states. The following arguments will give some detailed elements in explaining why Liberalism is the theory that can describe, explain and foresee better the Albanian – Greek relations, using the political element, the economic element and the social element. All the elements have indicators which present a better panorama of this relation, based on liberalism. 2. Political element After many years of isolation, Albania re-entered the international arena with another status. It began to have contacts with other actors of international relations. Greece as one of the neighbor countries was ready to interact with it. Based on realism, both countries would not have an interaction, but only some rigid relations or conflictual one, because each state would consider the fulfillment of its interests, without considering the other. Cooperation would be unthinkable under the influence of realism. A projected conflict would be always possible in this relation. States would hold the positions of protection or attack. Equilibrium would be hard to achieve based on the premises of realism. Emphasizing that, we believe that liberalism would be the best international relations theory explaining the Albanian – Greek relation. It studies the plurality of actors that affects this relation, adding elements not mentioned by realism. It is based on optimistic premises and that can be felt in the ongoing of Albanian – Greek relations. In may help in much sure projections for the future of this relation. One of the most important issues for liberalism is the happiness of individuals. 2.1 The Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation, Good Neighborliness and Security between Albania and Greece In March 21, 1996, Albania and Greece signed the Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation, Good Neighborliness and Security1. Considering the period when it was signed and the necessity of developing the economic, social and political relations in a positive way between the two states, within the Balkans, with the intention to preserve stability and peace in the region, both states, Albania and Greece, expressed their will in cooperation for a more pacific future. This Treaty is a tool used by both actors in achieving their individual and mutual interests. It is not a demonstration of force in achieving certain goals. It is a cooperation agreement that liberalism foresees in the interaction of actors in the international arena. This treaty has given strength to both states and serves as the base for the solution of possible conflicts. Specific issues that have affected the relation between these to states may be addressed according to this treaty, and will find a pacific solution. 1 The Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation, Good Neighborliness and Security, Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Albania archive. 258 ISSN2039Ͳ2117MediterraneanJournalofSocialSciencesVol.3(6)March2012 2.2 The Stabilization and Association Agreement (SAA) The European Union is one of the most powerful actors in international