Intelligence Reform in Albania: Its Relation to Democratization and Integration into the EU and NATO

Abstract

After more than 17 years since the fall of the Soviet Union, the western Balkans countries, particularly Albania, have not yet reached the same objectives as other Central and Eastern European countries (CEECs) that are now part of the European Union (EU) and NATO. For most of the CEECs, the need to satisfy the challenging conditions for membership in the EU and NATO has acted as an "anchor" of democratization and other reforms. Intelligence reform is one of the many issues faced by the former communist countries of Eastern Europe. New threats such as terrorism and the proliferation of WMD, as well as traditional threats like corruption and crime have emerged as top priorities for the intelligence services of the new democratic governments. In the case of Albania, one of the newest democracies, coming to terms with the old regime and its authoritarian institutions makes intelligence reform that much more difficult. This thesis analyzes the challenges faced by the Albanian intelligence services during the implementation of Security Sector Reform (SSR). What progress has been made in addressing these challenges and what problems still remain? Also, what challenges will Albania's intelligence services face during the process of integration into the EU and NATO? The author contends that Albania's new intelligence structure should reflect NATO and European Union norms and western standards of transparency and accountability in a modern democracy. The reform also should prepare the intelligence services for combating new threats. Reform will improve accountability and democratic control and legislative and judicial oversight, and will accelerate the process of Albania's integration in NATO and the European Union. Romania is an appropriate model of a nation in which reform policies in the intelligence and security sectors have resulted in significant improvements. A case study of Romania's reforms provides lessons learned and best practices.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 01, 2008
Accession Number
ADA479813

Entities

People

  • Eduart Bala

Organizations

  • Naval Postgraduate School

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Counter WMD
  • Cyber
  • Human Systems
  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Business Administration
  • Eastern Europe
  • Employment
  • European Union
  • Governments
  • Intelligence Collection
  • International Law
  • International Organizations
  • International Relations
  • Management Personnel
  • National Politics
  • National Security
  • Organizational Structure
  • Personnel Management
  • Political Systems
  • Security Personnel
  • Surveillance

Fields of Study

  • Political science

Readers

  • Defense Acquisition Program Management
  • International Relations and European Studies
  • Political Violence and Terrorism Studies.