Italian politics of occupation of Albania (1939-1943)

Abstract

The Italian-Albanian relations in the 1930s had a significant impact on their respective developments. Historical circumstances and mutual interests on both sides of the Adriatic Sea fostered close ties not only between the two countries but also between the two peoples.
Italy aimed to establish a strong foothold in the Balkans and beyond by investing capital in Albania. However, Italian investments inadvertently contributed to strengthening the Albanian economy, thereby enhancing the stability and unity of the Albanian state. Scholars recognize the bolstering of internal economic stability as an asset used by A. Zogu to safeguard Albania's political independence, even though it ultimately led to the country's invasion by Italy.
The Italian policy's attack on A. Zogu as an individual aligned with the political propaganda of his opponents, both inside and outside Albania. The campaign sought to marginalize the international response to aggression against Albania and legitimize Italy's occupation. Italy's failures in the Greek-Italian war resulted in significant losses, inflicting major injuries on Albanians due to the fighting-front launched in Albanian territories.
During the last months of the occupation, Italian diplomacy made unsuccessful attempts to influence the Albanian government.