Identity on a Razor’s edge: ethnic belonging and the divergent paths of Albanian foreign fighters

Throughout history, the Albanian people have maintained a distinct sense of identity in the Balkans, largely independent of their religious affiliations. The departure of about 660 ethnic Albanians to join jihadist conflicts in the Syrian Civil War, however, raised questions about ethnicity, identity, religion, and the loyalties underpinning these sources of belonging more broadly. This article examines why, despite many similarities, be they historical, cultural, linguistic, religious, or otherwise, Albanians in Albania and Kosovo have exhibited different patterns of Islamic radicalization and foreign fighter mobilization. In Albania, a strong national identity rooted in secularism, ethnicity, and inter-religious coexistence has acted as a buffer against extremist ideologies, even amid significant economic challenges. In Kosovo, contrariwise, the post-war environment, characterized by a fragmented national and ethnic identity, has increased vulnerability to external religious influences and radical jihadist narratives. This ethnographic study draws upon 54 semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders in both countries to analyse how historical legacies, identity dynamics, and socio-political contexts influence radicalization in each country. The article also considers how post-conflict settings and the lack of a strong national identity can heighten the appeal of transnational ideologies, with jihad portrayed as both a unifying force and a path to redemption.