Albanian Diplomatic Functionality in the Interwar Period: An Institutional Analysis Framework (1920-1930)

by PhD (c) Rexhina MYRTA

Abstract
This study introduces the Albanian Diplomatic Functionality Index (ADFI), a novel quantitative framework for measuring small state diplomatic performance during the interwar period. Through comprehensive archival analysis of Albanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs records, League of Nations documents, and British Foreign Office files covering 1920-1930, we systematically evaluate Albanian diplomatic effectiveness across four dimensions: Institutional Capacity, Strategic Achievement, Operational Excellence, and Adaptive Resilience. Results demonstrate that Albanian diplomacy achieved “Highly Functional” status with an ADFI score of 88.1 by 1926-1930, representing a 19.9% improvement over the initial assessment period. Albania ranked first among five regional comparators (Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Greece) in diplomatic efficiency ratio (0.94), institutional resilience coefficient (0.89), and strategic goal achievement index (0.92). Key findings reveal five critical success factors: strategic multilateral institutional engagement, innovative resource optimization despite severe budgetary constraints, adaptive institutional learning mechanisms, systematic professional diplomatic development, and sophisticated great power management strategies. Despite operating with the smallest diplomatic budget among comparative states (€127,000 annually), Albanian diplomacy successfully secured League of Nations membership in December 1920, maintained territorial integrity for two decades through peaceful dispute resolution, developed 12 permanent diplomatic missions across Europe and America, and negotiated 18 significant international agreements. The study fundamentally challenges deterministic interpretations of the relationship between state size and diplomatic effectiveness, providing empirical evidence that strategic approach, institutional innovation, and professional competence substantially outweigh material resource endowments for diplomatic success. These findings contribute significantly to small state diplomacy theory while offering practical insights for contemporary developing nations navigating complex international environments.
Keywords: Albanian diplomacy, small state theory, interwar period,institutional analysis, diplomatic effectiveness, League of Nations

https://doi.org/10.58944/rshg9078