ABSTRACT
Amongst the centrally planned economies and communist polities that emerged in postwar Europe, Albania stands out as being not only the smallest and least populous, but also the most independent minded. Indeed, following the breaks with the Soviet Union in 1961 and China in 1978, Albania has pursued a staunchly non-aligned policy in the foreign policy arena. Simultaneously, she has tried to implement a policy of self-reliance in the economic sphere, emphasizing industrialization and self-sufficiency in food products. This is not to suggest, however, that trade and aid have not been important to this small Balkan state. On the contrary, they have at times been vitally important for sheer survival, and foreign economic relations are still an important determinant of overall economic performance (Schnytzer 1982:101). Despite this, Albania’s adopted strategy has stressed the need to achieve self-sufficiency in order to maintain political autonomy.
