Albania—Duality of Democracy Through Power and Protest

The chapter 'Albania—Duality of Democracy Through Power and Protest' delves into the complex dynamics of activism and protest in Albania from 2010 to 2022. It analyses key protest events, such as the 2011 protests against corruption and the 2018-2019 student protests, to understand their impact on democratic processes and state institutions. The chapter emphasises the role of social cleavages, resource mobilisation, and political opportunity structures in shaping these events. It also highlights the contrast between top-down mobilisations by political parties and bottom-up civic engagement, providing a nuanced view of the democratic transition in Albania. The analysis is based on a mixed-method approach, making it a valuable contribution to the study of social movements and democratic development.