National Identity and the “Great Divide” between Two Theories. Where Does the Albanian National Identity Take Part

Abstract

According to Tom Nairn, the reason why the dispute between modernists and primordialists is not resolved is because it is irresolvable. This is because the two approaches place different emphases on different aspects of identity formation. Nairn described the debate between Anthony Smith and Ernest Gellner, as a courteous difference of emphasis. Hence, the old presuppositions of modernism are losing their hold, but no one is quite sure what new ones will replace them. The great debate in nationalism’ studies, is one between so-called “primordialists” and “modernists”. Put simply, primordialists argue that the nation derives directly from a priori ethnic groups and is based on kinship ties and ancient heritage. For their part, modernists insist that the nation is an entirely novel form of identity and political organization, which owes nothing to ethnic heritage and everything to the modernism, and the scoope of the debate between them, fail to offer a satisfactory account of the formation of national identity. In this context we need to see where the Albanian national identity takes part. This paper seeks to show how it reacted to the waves of social transition? Where it finds itself and what connects it with globalisation?