Youth Disengagement in a Transitional Democracy:  Alienation, Political Distrust, and Emigration Intentions in Albania

Enkelejda Cenaj; Fatma Ceyda Bas; Liana Maria Daher

doi:10.56345/ijrdv13n216

Authors

Enkelejda Cenaj Lecturer, Department of Sociology, Faculty of Education, Aleksander Moisiu University, Durrës, Albania
Fatma Ceyda Bas Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Cankiri Karatekin University, Çankırı, Türkiye
Liana Maria Daher Full Professor in Sociology, Department of Education, University of Catania, Catania, Italy

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56345/ijrdv13n216

Keywords:

youth political disengagement, political alienation, emigration intentions, institutional distrust, youth participation, transitional democracy, Albania

Abstract

In Albania, youth participation in politics is particularly important given that the population is relatively young and the functioning of democratic institutions remains fragile. This study examines structural, attitudinal, and social factors shaping youth political engagement in Albania. It further explores how dissatisfaction with politics, perceived exclusion, and intentions to emigrate interact in influencing patterns of youth participation. To achieve this purpose, the study employs correlation analysis, multiple regression, and exploratory factor analysis to identify key mechanisms behind youth political disengagement. The findings suggest that youth disengagement from politics is mainly shaped by structural obstacles, institutional distrust, and perceived exclusion, rather than by youth apathy. Dissatisfaction with politics emerges as the strongest factor associated with both political disengagement and emigration intentions, suggesting a broader withdrawal of young people from political life. Perceived stereotyping and limited opportunities for political expression were associated with higher levels of alienation and lower levels of political engagement. At the same time, respondents who perceive higher levels of inclusion and institutional responsiveness tend to report lower levels of alienation and higher levels of political participation. Differences were also observed among demographic groups, with women, older youth, and university-educated respondents reporting higher levels of dissatisfaction and stronger perceptions of barriers to participation. The study highlights the relationship between political disengagement and emigration in a transitional democratic context. It also contributes to broader discussion on youth political participation and suggests the need for policies that strengthen youth inclusion.

Received: 20 February 2026 │ Accepted: 10 June 2026 │ Published: 23 July 2026