Turkey vs. China: Assessing Perceptions of the Economic, Political and Cultural Influence in Albania

Abstract

China and Turkey are two countries exerting relevant global influence, both politically and economically. Their influence in Albania lies in several dimensions including economic, political and cultural dimensions. The purpose of the present study was to assess and compare perceptions of the economic, political and cultural influence of Turkey and China in Albania. It was hypothesized that Turkey would be rated higher across all dimensions. Methodology Participants were 80 young adults, all members of the political forum FRESSH. They were aged between 17 and 32 years old (mean age= 23.76 years, SD=3.67 years), 51.3% of the sample was female while 48.8% male. The instrument was a self-report questionnaire assessing attitudes of youth as regards the influence of non-European countries such as Russia Turkey and China in Albania. Results and conclusions: Politically engaged youth perceive a moderate influence from Turkey, mainly in the economic dimension, and less in the political or cultural dimensions. Although Turkish influence is perceived as stronger than Chinese influence, the two countries are not perceived as strong barriers to European Integration.