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Prof. Ledia Dushku, PhD
Academy of Science, Institute of History, Tirana, Republic of Albania

 

A HOMELAND BEYOND BORDERS: DIASPORA DIPLOMACY AND TRANSNATIONAL NATIONALISM IN THE ALBANIAN STATE-BUILDING PROCESS (1912–1920)

God. XLIV, 1/2026, str. 15–32
https://doi.org/10.29362/ist20veka.2026.1.dus.15-32

 

APSTRAKT/REZIME:

This article examines the role of the Albanian diaspora in the United States, particularly the Pan-Albanian Federation Vatra and Theofan Stilian Noli, in the Albanian state-building process (1912–1920). Through the lenses of transnational and long-distance nationalism, it argues that the diaspora acted not merely as a supporter but also as an active political agent. By analysing Vatra’s institutional pillars – press, community networks, the national church, and lobbying – the study shows how the diaspora built an infrastructure that, during the First World War, operated as a de facto “government in exile”. Fan Noli’s efforts to internationalise the Albanian question and defend territorial integrity through lobbying and cultural diplomacy highlight the critical role of diaspora communities in advancing national interests during times of crisis and institutional collapse.

 

KLJUČNE REČI: Diaspora, transnational nationalism, Pan-Albanian Federation Vatra in the USA, Fan Stilian Noli, state-building, alternative diplomacy, Balkan Wars, First World War

 

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