Enver Hoxha, the leader of Albania from 1944 to 1985, articulated a consistent and multifaceted opposition towards Greece, rooted in historical grievances, territorial disputes, and ideological differences. This opposition stemmed from a perceived irredentist ambition on the part of Greece to annex territories in southern Albania, a region Greeks refer to as Northern Epirus. Hoxha viewed this as a direct threat to Albanian sovereignty and territorial integrity. He cited historical events, particularly those following the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, as evidence of Greek expansionist designs against Albania.
The historical context is crucial in understanding the depth of Hoxha’s animosity. The disputed territory of Northern Epirus had a mixed population of Albanians and Greeks, leading to conflicting claims of ownership. Following World War II, the unresolved status of this region continued to fuel tensions. Hoxha’s staunch defense of Albania’s borders and his commitment to self-reliance were central tenets of his communist ideology. He viewed any external pressure, including perceived threats from Greece, as a challenge to Albania’s independence and socialist development. This perception was reinforced by Greece’s alignment with the Western bloc during the Cold War, which Hoxha considered inherently hostile to Albania’s communist system.
