The EU has emerged as one of the leading actors involved in post-communist transformations. In addition to early cooperation agreements, it has created an extensive portfolio of support mechanisms for new democracies in Eastern Europe. The EU policy in the Balkans is closely associated with the instrument of conditionality. In addition to participating in the Stability Pact, Albania has established contractual relations with the EU in the context of Stabilization and Association Process.

Are there any weaknesses to the EU approach? Do regional cooperation efforts contradict the wider EU integration processes? Does the vague membership promise weaken the credibility of conditionality? Do the EU efforts overlap with the programs of other actors? What is the EU leverage comparing to other actors? Have the EU integration efforts paid off so far? What areas or sectors are most influenced, and which are not?

Democratic institutions determine the modes of political interest intermediation, public policy-making, and regime stability in a country. We would like to discuss political consequences of institutions that profoundly affect the governance structures of democracy in Albania and other new democracies. What are the general effects and interactions among institutional components of democratic regimes? Special panels will focus on electoral regimes, legislative-executive relations, political parties and party systems, civil society, the role of media in politics, etc.

Many issues fall under the scope of this topic. We expect to organize several panels focusing on the role of domestic institutions, international trade, and globalization on economic development of a country. A limited list of suggested questions include discussion of issues related to property rights, corruption, trade relations or exchange rate regimes, with special focus on Albania and other Western Balkan countries. Papers will also address more general questions like: Has globalization undermined national economic autonomy? Do domestic institutions matter to the manner in which globalization has an effect on domestic economy? How does globalization affect political preferences of domestic actors and domestic politics in general? What are political and economic effects of unilateral Euroization of Albania and Western Balkans?

There will be one workshop and one panel discussion on this issue. The workshop will focus on such themes as pedagogy, use of technology (like power point presentations, documentary films, and internet and websites), discussing global perspectives of politics in classroom, promoting civic education and engagement, etc. All conference participants will have an equal opportunity to contribute and participate in the workshop and the panel.