The Albanian Conservative Institute: A Vision for Albania’s Future

Who we are and why Albania needs us

Nikola Kedhi

11/17/20244 min read

The Albanian Conservative Institute is more than just a think tank; it is a beacon of conservative thought and action in a country where center-right values are often overlooked or misunderstood. As Albania's sole conservative research and advocacy center, we are committed to shaping the future of our nation by promoting sound economic policies, strengthening national security, advocating for good governance, and fostering strategic international relations.

Who We Are

Our work focuses on defending the principles that have historically ensured democracy, stability, prosperity, and freedom. At the Albanian Conservative Institute, we stand for the sanctity of family, the power of free markets, the importance of strong institutions, and the irreplaceable value of a national identity rooted in history, culture, and tradition. These are not just abstract ideals; they are the building blocks of a prosperous and sustainable Albania.

We fill a critical void in the national discourse. The political and intellectual landscape has often been dominated by voices that push for centralized control, economic dependency, and a detachment from national identity. In contrast, we champion the individual and the family over the state, the entrepreneur over the bureaucrat, and the national interest over fleeting global trends.

What We Stand For

At the heart of our mission lies the defense of the family, which we see as the cornerstone of a thriving society. Albania is facing a demographic crisis that threatens its future—low birth rates and a growing exodus of young people to other countries. We believe the solution lies in revitalizing the family unit, incentivizing childbirth, and reversing the tide of depopulation through policies that promote stability, opportunity, and hope for the next generation.

Economically, our vision is grounded in free markets and supply-side economics, principles that unleash the potential of the private sector and empower individuals. Albania must move away from its dependence on state-driven development models, which have only entrenched bureaucracy and stagnation. By cutting taxes, lowering public debt, and reducing the size of government, we can free the entrepreneurial spirit that is latent in our country and create real, sustainable growth.

Our focus on national security stems from the recognition that Albania is situated in a region of complex geopolitical interests. We are at the crossroads of influence from Russia, China, and other global powers. We at ACI are unapologetically pro-Western and pro-NATO. Albania must strengthen its military and security apparatus, invest in cyber defense, and develop strategic partnerships with allies such as the United States and the European Union. This is not merely a matter of defense; it is about safeguarding our sovereignty and ensuring that Albania's future is determined by Albanians.

In the realm of governance, we stand for transparency, accountability, and the rule of law. Albania's political system has been marred by corruption, inefficiency, and a lack of trust. To break free from this cycle, we advocate for reforms that decentralize power, reduce government overreach, and restore faith in democratic institutions. Good governance is not an end in itself but a means to empower citizens and ensure that the government serves the people, not the other way around.

On the international stage, we believe Albania must assert its role as a proud, independent nation with strategic interests. The era of playing second fiddle to international agendas must end. We should engage in international relations based on mutual respect and shared values, not as a passive recipient of external influences. Albania’s future lies in balancing its relationships with the West while fiercely protecting its sovereignty and national identity.

Why Albania Needs Us

Albania is at a crossroads. The choices we make in the coming years will determine whether we continue down a path of dependency and decline or embrace a new era of growth and renewal. The challenges we face—economic stagnation, depopulation, corruption, and external threats—are immense. But so is the potential for change.

The Albanian Conservative Institute exists to provide the intellectual and policy foundation for that change. For too long, the national conversation has been dominated by policies that seek short-term gains at the expense of long-term prosperity. We are here to offer an alternative—a vision of Albania that is rooted in its history, proud of its traditions, and bold in its ambitions for the future.

There is a need for a center-right force in Albania, one that defends the individual, the family, and the nation with the same vigor that others defend the state. We believe in less government and more freedom, less regulation and more innovation, less reliance on external powers and more focus on Albania's unique strengths.

We are not just a think tank for the sake of debate; we are here to shape policies that will lead to real, lasting change. Our initiatives on economic reform, national security, and governance are aimed at creating a strong, prosperous, and sovereign Albania. We do not shy away from the hard truths—Albania is in need of a dramatic shift in its approach to development, governance, and international relations.

By standing for these principles, we aim to rally those who believe in a better future for Albania. Whether you are a policymaker, an entrepreneur, a scholar, or a concerned citizen, the Albanian Conservative Institute is your platform to engage in the critical issues shaping our nation’s future.

Join us as we work towards a conservative renaissance in Albania, where tradition meets innovation, where the family is strengthened, and where freedom and prosperity are the birthright of every citizen. This is our vision. This is what we stand for. And this is why Albania needs us now more than ever.