The Economic Well-being of Albanians: Trust and Social Capital

The strong kin and family connections of ethnic
Albanians in Western Balkans, coupled with the low
trust levels nurtured within such narrow traditional
structures in the colonial and communist past, are
key factors affecting economic performances of
Albanians today. Furthermore, the
levels of low trust that are maintained in the
Albanian society directly affect the low number of
associations outside the close circle of family, kin
and acquaintances. This has a direct effect on social
capital and therefore the robustness of the
respective economic performances. Also, the treatment
of ethnic Albanians by the institutions and ruling
structures in the Albania, Kosova and Macedonia
provides explanations for the social and
economic behavior of the ethnic Albanian in
contemporary times. Consequently, the main question
that this book seeks to answer is: "Why do the
different socio-political conditions that are imposed
on the ethnic Albanian population in the Balkans not
result in different levels of economic development
beyond state boundaries?"

Autorentext
In early life and during his intellectual buildup, Albinot became
realistic and developed a hands-on approach in his efforts to
contribute to human awareness and equality. Even today, he
continues to dwell actively on the issues of worldwide economic
development, trying to understand and battle the root causes of
global economic disparities.

Klappentext
The strong kin and family connections of ethnic Albanians in Western Balkans, coupled with the low trust levels nurtured within such narrow traditional structures in the colonial and communist past, are key factors affecting economic performances of Albanians today. Furthermore, the levels of low trust that are maintained in the Albanian society directly affect the low number of associations outside the close circle of family, kin and acquaintances. This has a direct effect on social capital and therefore the robustness of the respective economic performances. Also, the treatment of ethnic Albanians by the institutions and ruling structures in the Albania, Kosova and Macedonia provides explanations for the social and economic behavior of the ethnic Albanian in contemporary times. Consequently, the main question that this book seeks to answer is: "Why do the different socio-political conditions that are imposed on the ethnic Albanian population in the Balkans not result in different levels of economic development beyond state boundaries?"