Enver Hoxha

[Robespierre2.0]

Hey... I can't find much information on Enver Hoxha, or any of his contributions to Marxism-Leninism, aside from hyperbolic bourgeois articles.

Can someone give me just a basic summary of what he stood for, whether or not he was oppressive, etc.?

[Leo]

This belongs to history rather than politics so I'm moving it.

[Comrade Nadezhda]

Maybe this will help.

http://www.marxists.org/reference/archive/hoxha/index.htm

[Robespierre2.0]

Yeahhh I can read his speeches and stuff, but I'd like to know how it was actually put into practice in Albania. According to (the ridiculously pro-right) wikipedia, Hoxha had pillboxes set up to face inward, towards his cities, in order to suppress internal revolution, among all sorts of other nasty stuff.

At the same time, there are those who feel that Hoxha's Albania was the most advanced/purest form of socialism around.

Anyways, I'll check his writings out, but can anyone elaborate on the above?

[Ismail]

http://www.redapollo.org/wiki/index.php/Hoxhaism

That helps too. (Biased yes, but still)

You can also look up The Titoites on Marx2Mao, but you'd need to have some understanding of how Albania, Yugoslavia, and Kosova were at that point to really understand it.

First, consider Albania's position before Enver Hoxha took power. 80-85% of the country was illiterate, tribal clans had massive influence (even today they still do; it's coming back of course), women treated like shit and not allowed to even hold paying jobs etc. Albanians didn't even have a word for "President" so they used Prime Minister instead. Ahmet Zogu (Zog) wins elections c. 1921, then later on declares himself King Zog of Albania c. 1928. He also turns Albania into a puppet state of Italy. Oh, and life expectancy was at 38.

And now we move onto Hoxha. Hoxha was elected on a no-name ballot in 1944 (after leading the partisan resistance against Italy and then Nazi Germany). As in, traits were used instead of names. Since Socialist countries historically have had massive gains in education and such, by 1950 illiteracy went down to around 30% and by 1970 the country had electricity, equal rights for women, etc. You can read those parts (which I added BTW) on Wikipedia.

Foreign policy wise, Hoxha wasn't as isolationist as he may originally seem. Even in the early 1980s Albania was still getting limited imports from the Soviet Union. He only turned isolationist when, fearing China abandoning trade, began to open up more to Yugoslavia and western nations. Yugoslavia was fine with that, but the western nations were not. Hoxha also didn't want Yugoslavia to give too much aid (Hoxha had a pretty legit fear that Yugoslavia wanted to annex Albania, which makes sense if you view Tito as a revisionist)

It should also be noted at this time that Hoxha's health was in decline. His first heart attack was around 1971 IIRC. By the very late 1970s he was apparently also becoming senile, and by 1985 he held very little power due to his senility (which had gotten to the point of apparently advocating not allowing bearded people to enter Albania at all, as they may be US/UK spies) and very poor health (diabetes, wheelchair bound)

Most advanced/purest form of Socialism? Well, revisionists were kept out up until Hoxha gave up some of his powers in the 70s and some of his original members began dying, and times were best during the 60s when his views had some Maoist aspects to them. The state made sure everyone a job, and education among other things was free. There was also apparently some pretty through teachings of Marxist-Leninism in schools, but I can't confirm that.

As for the bunkers, they weren't the greatest but I don't see any pictures where they're actually pointed at towns, etc. Mostly it was due to fears of an invasion by the US, Soviet Union, Greece, or Yugoslavia. Keep in mind the US (VIA Zog partisans) and Soviet Union (Forming dissident) tried to overthrow him.

Ravenblade (although he doesn't like being the official Enver Hoxha embassy on RevLeft) could probably tell you more.

All in all, I think Hoxha was a great leader, although he did make mistakes.

[Comrade Rage]

The inward bunkers thing is definitely propaganda. Not only is it ridiculous on it's face, but Hoxha had his work more than cut out for him in modernizing the SPRA.

[Ander]

I have an Albanian friend who immigrated here in the 90's. According to her parents who lived through Hoxhaist times, Albania was a terrible place to be. Also, she confirmed the bit about the inward facing bunkers.

I'm not saying her word is law, I'm just saying...

[Comrade Rage]

They really existed ?!

Did she say anything about where they were?

[Ander]

No, she did not. All I know is that she's from Tirana (the capital).

Next time I see her I'll speak to her about it in more detail.

[Comrade Rage]

I'm seriously interested about hearing more about Albania. After you speak to her start a thread or PM me about it. Especially the bunkers.

[Ismail]

I known two Albanians who fled from Albania:

1. Had family members who supported Balli Kombëtar, a far-right nationalist organization during WWII which went from "Let's kick out the Fascists so we can establish greater Albania and kill those damned Serbs!" to "Let's kill the Communists for not wanting greater Albania!"
2. Belonged to a wealthy family (in fact, she is related to a famous Albanian poet whom you can look up on Wikipedia, but I forgot his name)

[Comrade Rage]

Originally posted by [email protected] 18, 2007 06:28 pm
I known two Albanians who fled from Albania:

1. Had family members who supported Balli Kombëtar, a far-right nationalist organization during WWII which went from "Let's kick out the Fascists so we can establish greater Albania and kill those damned Serbs!" to "Let's kill the Communists for not wanting greater Albania!"
2. Belonged to a wealthy family (in fact, she is related to a famous Albanian poet whom you can look up on Wikipedia, but I forgot his name)
What're their views on Albania? Probably Anti-Hoxha but what exactly?

[Ismail]

They live happy in the US today and hate Hoxha with a passion. (And by extension, Socialism and Communism too)

They also hate Serbs. :P

Really though, they probably view Albania as a shithole and don't want to go back to it, although one of the persons knows like 6 languages from all the emigration she had to endure.

[Random Precision]

LOL, I wouldn't pay him that much attention, especially not as a contributor to Marxism-Leninism. As for what he stood for, he pretty much stood for Enver Hoxha above all else. All the typical indicators of Stalinism are there; from the monolithic communist party and the bureaucracy that controlled the economy, the personality cult, the purges of potential dissidents, pervasive secret police, the forced and violent collectivization of agriculture, to the lack of any semblance of workers' control. The only things that really set his regime apart from the rest of the Stalinist world were his virulent purges of the religious, as well as his near-total isolation from the country's neighbors for the greater part of his rule.

As for "Hoxhaism", its "theory" was put in service to Albanian foreign policy, just like in other Stalinist countries. When Hoxha feared that his country might be absorbed into Yugoslavia, for example, he became an old-school Stalinist who aligned himself with Stalin in the split with Tito. When Khrushchev tried to normalize relations with Yugoslavia, he suddenly took Mao's side in the Sino-Soviet split and adopted a version of Maoism, including the cultural revolution. When Deng made diplomatic overtures to Tito, he became an ardent isolationist and ended his alliance with China, repudiating Mao's theory. Such is the history of "Hoxhaism".

I'll try to fid an article about him from a Marxist point of view, but like I thought, it seems that not many pay attention to the Stalinist tinpot dictator of Albania...

[Ismail]

The attacks on religion were necessary as they were in Mongolia under Choibalsan. Just about all of the priests and etc were reactionary and wanted Socialism out of the country, same with the violent Lamaist monks who opposed Socialism in Mongolia. His anti-religious campaign was focused on the leaders (priests, bishops, imams, tribal chieftains, etc) more than the followers though. It worked really well too, since only about 40% of Albanians actually profess a belief in God. (Either that or they really don't care, which is good too)


From year 1967 to the end of the totalitarian regime, religious practices were banned and the country was proclaimed officially Atheist, marking an event that happened for the first time in world history. Albanians born during the regime were never taught religion, so they grew up to become either Atheists or Agnostics. - "Religion in Albania" article on Wikipedia. It should be noted though that for "officially atheist" they meant the government. Since under King Zog, etc religion had a huge influence that went well with the whole "tribal clans influence the state in major way" thing.


Everytime is see "Albania is a Muslim country" I cringe. No It is NOT!! If you knew albanians well, the only religion of albanians is Albanism.
Religion is something very foreign to Albanians. It was always brought by foreing powers. The Roman Empire brought catholicism, then the Byzantium brought Orthodox, then it was the ottomans that forced parts of albanians to become muslim by name, while keeping their old traditions, and just ignoring religion.

That are very few people that practice religion at all. Most just never bother to go to churches or mosques at all.
Also, there a plenty of Catholic and Orthodox in albania.

So, please stop calling it a "Muslim Country", as it is not. - quote from "Ardit, San Francisco, USA/ALBANIA" taken from here. (http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/article1907343.ece)

As for the isolation issue, it was forced upon Albania just as it was forced upon North Korea. Sure, now we may think it was a poor idea to build so many bunkers and such, but then the prospect of being attacked was viewed as very real by the residents of Albania and its leadership. "The US and USSR already tried to overthrow me, why wouldn't they do it again?" was pretty much Hoxha's view. Plus the Greek claims on the south, UK intervention on the isle of Corfu, and of course there was always Yugoslavia.

And finally, as for what Hoxhaism stands for, it is somewhat varied. Some like his pro-isolation approach (as the 70's were coming to an end), some (like me) liked when he experimented a bit with Maoist thought, and so on. Most of it though is pretty much acknowledging that he was a good leader and that he represents an obscure but unique place in the history of the Communist movement.

[Random Precision]

Maybe what you say about religion and isolation is true, but that still doesn't make it anything other than Stalinism adapted to the material conditions of Albania.

[AGITprop]

I had a high school French teacher, (female, very pretty) named Laura Hoxha. Her name never had any relevance to me untill the faithful year I became a communist and began researching the Soviet Union and satellite countries when I stumbled upon Albania and Enver Hoxha. I immediately wondered if she was related to him because she is quite young (early-thirties) and could be a niece. When i asked her she told me that No, she was not related but she did grow up in Albania and when its government collapsed she moved to Canada to learn to teach. She mentioned that they were isolated from the world and that quality of life was decent but difficult. When i asked her what religion she followed she stated that because she was born in Albania and religion was suppressed she had no faith in any religion because she never learned any. Just something interesting i thought i could share with you guys.

PS : for the record she was fluently french speaking and learned french in europe, only later learning english here. Amazing teacher. Found it very interesting to know that i was a communist. We would spend entire classes talking about ideology and religion's role in it while the rest of the class screwed around.

[Ismail]

Hoxha is a very common last name in Albania. It's like Smith in the US.

[Prairie Fire]

I can't believe I almost missed this thread.

Then again, I doubt that we are going to "get to the bottom of anything". Sinc eI joined Revleft, there have been at least
four Hoxha threads, and the same points are made into infinity. Then again, I guess that's the way it is with most Revleft topics.

Anyways....

Marxosaurus Rex:


Hey... I can't find much information on Enver Hoxha, or any of his contributions to Marxism-Leninism, aside from hyperbolic bourgeois articles.

Can someone give me just a basic summary of what he stood for, whether or not he was oppressive, etc.?

Wow, you seem to be genuinely interested in an otherwise taboo personality, and you are rejecting slander spouted from anti-communists. That's rare and admirable; good for you!


Hoxha had pillboxes set up to face inward, towards his cities, in order to suppress internal revolution, among all sorts of other nasty stuff.

Oy... the pillboxes. I suppose this is the eternal headache to Hoxha supporters, much in the same way that the Blow job incident is to Clinton supporters.

As far as the pillboxes, yes they were made; this is not in dispute. What IS in dispute is why. The bourgeoise sources all claim it was to put down a hypothetical internal rebellion. On the otherhand, given the size of the bunkers, I doubt thay was thei purpose. All of them seem to be built to accomodate a family, at least, which, according to former PPSH members, was the intended purpose: In the event of an invasion, head for the bunkers basically. As others have pointed out, Albania stood alone, with many enemies, including BOTH superpowers!

As for the bunkers facing towns, I have NEVER heard that allegation until going on Revleft, even from anti-hoxha talkin gheads who informed me about the bunkers in the first place. As has been proven on this forum previously from a picture of a bunker pointed at a graveyard, I think it is a confusion of cause and effect. If there are bunkers that now face towns, or whatever else, it most likely that the town in question outgrew the area it previously occupied when the bunkers were constructed.

As for theory, and what Hoxha's contributions are, truth be told, Hoxha is more famous for upholding the proper line in a time of rampant revisionism than as a unique school of Marxist-Leninist thought. Basically Hoxha is famous for properly puttin gthe classics into practice, and for offering an orthodox anti-revisionist approach to socialism. Basically he upheld most of the orthodox theory developed by Marx, Engels, Lenin and Stalin. He adopted some good ideas from Mao, but eventually rejected the more erroneous parts of his ideology, which gained him a lot of street cre dwith ML's all over the world.

He still did make his theoretical contributions, most of which are more of an extension of Marxism-Leninism than a seperate school of thought, which is the proper thing to do anyways (right?):

Revolution and imperialism
The Superpowers
the anglo American threat to Albanian
The Titoites
The Kruschevites
With Stalin
etc...


Mr. Die:

Respect on covering most of the basics on statistics of socialist Albania. Then agian, most other, "non-authortarian" Marxists won't be impressed by these numbers, no matter how significant, as most countries that went socialist reflected this average.

they prefer to focus on the more scandalous and Bizzare elements of Socialist Albania, and make unfounded statements that reflect their own metaphysical idealism.


Ravenblade (although he doesn't like being the official Enver Hoxha embassy on RevLeft) could probably tell you more.

Actually, I don't mind at all; I was just kidding with you that one time. I hope you didn't take it seriously. Yeah, forward any Hoxha queries to me, and I'll do my best.


All in all, I think Hoxha was a great leader, although he did make mistakes.

Who hasn't, right? I have made some MAJOR theoretical fuck -ups in my time!


I known two Albanians who fled from Albania:

1. Had family members who supported Balli Kombëtar, a far-right nationalist organization during WWII which went from "Let's kick out the Fascists so we can establish greater Albania and kill those damned Serbs!" to "Let's kill the Communists for not wanting greater Albania!"
2. Belonged to a wealthy family (in fact, she is related to a famous Albanian poet whom you can look up on Wikipedia, but I forgot his name)

Finding a patriotic expatriate is very rare, no matter which country. If they left their homeland, it's fair to say they aren't Albanias biggest fans.
Jello:


I'm not saying her word is law, I'm just saying...

I love second/third generation, eastern-bloc kiddies; "I lived in the USSR for four years before it collapsed, when I was a toddler, therefore I'm a definitive expert on the subject." That would be like me talking with authority about the British Empire in Canada; My grandfather can, but I only know as much as I've heard.

Mr.Die:


As for the isolation issue, it was forced upon Albania just as it was forced upon North Korea.

Not that Albania was "isolated", but even if it was, what's wrong with that? That is always made ou tto be such a scandal, when talking about North Korea and Albania. What, exaclty, is wrong with wanting to pursue self-development and be left alone form inter-imperialist squabbling?

I can see how some Marxists woul dbe against Albania bein gisolated if they wern't spreadin gthe revolution, but unlike DPRK, they where. Albania had a global following of Fraternal parties.

Hope lies in the prols:

Oh yes, you used to be Catbert836. Even if you hadn't told me, I would suspected as much, as I have the distinct urge to tell you to shut the fuck up, as I have done before.


. As for what he stood for, he pretty much stood for Enver Hoxha above all else.

" ...And I base this on absolutely nothing except my own prejudices."

That has to be the trademark of anti-ML's, no matter what their ideological centre:
pull an emotional generalization completely out of your own asshole, and don't bother to elaborate.

Hoxha/ the PPSH' s work and theoretical line print an entirely different picture, as do their relations with frateral parties. In the case of the Communist Party of Canada (Marxist-Leninist), Albania encouraged their independence and independent line, unlike China did before them (and unlike the USSR did with the revisionist CPC).


from the monolithic communist party and the bureaucracy that controlled the economy,

"Bureacracy that controlled the economy" ? How do you suggest central planning be carried out from a grassroots level?

As for the "monolithic communist party" comment, that is pure bourgeoise imagery, vague and lacking in analysis. I'm quite certain that you have read (some) Lenin, and as near as I recall you've read Trotsky... both of these personalities were quite in favour of the building of a party to carry out the dictatorship of the proletariat. That said, on what part do you disagree with the party?


the personality cult

In prison years later, Nexhimije Hoxha (Envers wife) claimed that such an apparatus was built by those arround him, and he was trapped by it (taken from interview in the book "Talk of the Devil", by Riccardo Orrizio).

Fo rmore information on this concept read "Stalin and the cult of the individual" by Hoxhaist Bill Bland, which you can find by typing that title into your web browser (PM if you can't). He makes a similar argument about the personality cult trapping leaders rather than being encouraged by them.


the purges of potential dissidents

Proof? Cite an example, please? Yes individuals were purged; this is not in question. Th epart I take issue with is you claim that this was done pre-emptively and without cause. Also, I like your pseudo-republican use of euphemisms: When people struggle against a regime you hate, they are "dissidents". Anybody who rebelled against Trotsky's red army though, I'm sure in you're book they are
"reactionaries". The entire phrase "dissident" completely ignores class divisions.


pervasive secret police

As far as I know, yes there was a sigurimi, but as far as I know, they're function was quite different under the PPSH leadership. Like so many countries, once the leadership changed, or once there ceased to be leadership, the army kind of degrades... look at how the eastern front Wermacht became looters in Europe on their retreat, or how the KGB became the russian mob.


the forced and violent collectivization of agriculture

As opposed to what? The passive, polite and completely optional collectivization of agriculture? Seriosuly, Read Lenin again. Seizing power from a class is violent. That is what happened in Albania, as with so many countries; The land was re-distributed to the landless, and force was used if necesary. This is a basic goal of socialist revolution, has been since Marx.



to the lack of any semblance of workers' control

Okay, that's a little gratuitous ; that's not really a point of contention that can be measured or proven, that's just your personal opinion based on personal bias.


The only things that really set his regime apart from the rest of the Stalinist world were his virulent purges of the religious,

According to Nexhimije Hoxha in an interview from her prison Cell, that was at the behest of the Chinese, who had done similar things during their own cultural revolution (who were Albanias greatest trade partners at the time). The PPSH's only desired effect from that initiative was to try and create a common, Albanian identity in a country that was strangled by ethnic, religious and clan lines. As a marxist, you must see that this is a path towards the aboliton of classes, no?


as well as his near-total isolation from the country's neighbors for the greater part of his rule.

Which neighbors? Let's see: Socialist Yugoslavia to the north, who didn't recognize Albania's soveriegnty from day one and wanted to annex them into the Yugoslavian federative socialist republics... Capitalist Greece to the south... Also Italy, who only a few decade earlier had invaded them, and had been thrown out by the Albanian peoples themselves. You can understand why they wern't too chummy with the near-by nations.

As for isolation, I've covered that.


As for "Hoxhaism", its "theory" was put in service to Albanian foreign policy, just like in other Stalinist countries.

Arguably one of the most bizzare statements I've ever heard. What, exaclty. should theory serve, if not policy (and vice versa)? A theory must be based on a concrete analysis of the times, and must respond to the real issues faced by a nation and it's working class, while aiming to solve them.

See, you're statement is ridiculous, as it implies that concrete conditions, and the reactions towards them ,have to conform to a theory (and any theory not based on material conditions isn't worth it's salt, is it?). You're putting the cart before the horse.


Maybe what you say about religion and isolation is true, but that still doesn't make it anything other than Stalinism adapted to the material conditions of Albania.

So, what your saying is Mr.Die's analysis seems sound, but that has not impacted your stance, as you seem to be basing your position on your own hatred for Stalin, and Albanias adhearance to his line, rather than on anything that can be measured or analyzed.

You admit that the theory was adapted to the material conditions of Albania, but it had it's basis in Uncle Joe, so you shun it. Personal prejudice trumps logic, I guess.


LOL, I wouldn't pay him that much attention, especially not as a contributor to Marxism-Leninism.

LOL, I'd say the same of you. Your political stance on this issue (and others) seems based entirely on notions that you yourself seem to be the author of, your capitalist-influenced personal prejudices and your misleading, slanted use of euphemisms.


Ender:
When i asked her what religion she followed she stated that because she was born in Albania and religion was suppressed she had no faith in any religion because she never learned any.

Is this where we cue the violin music? Sounds like you're doing an add for the 700 club: " And in Albania, after 40 years of communist rule, the people... (sniff).. the people just have lost their touch with god. But, with your generous donations, we can once again bring these faith-starved heathens the word, and save them from eternal hell fire." :rolleyes:

[Random Precision]

Raven:

I'm clearly at a disadvantage here, so I respectfully decline to debate. This isn't cowardice, but rather my admission that you clearly know more than me about the topic of Hoxha's Albania. In the future I will try to learn more about the topic before I head back into the fray. That being said, I can't see my position changing that much...

I'd just like to address the thing you said about theory. Theory is something that should be developed from material conditions, of course, but it should also be something that is universal in its correct application. In the case of Stalinist theory, it has been adapted to suit the material needs of the party bureaucracy; this is true anywhere you go and it is obviously true of Albania from just a quick look at Hoxha's theory. I know you will disagree with this so I do not plan to argue about it either.

[Prairie Fire]

No, shame comrade. I actually appreciate when people are big enough to not continue a fruitless discussion and re-itterate the same statements.
I can't stand people who are thick as pig shit, but the stamina and internet access to keep an argument going for days.

[Cmde. Slavyanski]

All you need to know is this: Enver Hoxha was the last Marxist-Leninist leader, and led the last Marxist-Leninist socialist state. His pronouncements about China, the Soviet Union, and the East Bloc came true. Albania was one socialist country that had to be taken by outside influence rather than internal collapse. While the revisionist countries like the USSR and the East Bloc were experiencing all kinds of economic problems, Albania was self-sufficient and stable. Now look at Albania today; a haven of misogyny, women trafficking, drug trafficking, and ethnic strife.

[The Author]

A really good website that hosts some of the writings of Comrade Hoxha, I'm surprised no one has linked to them:

http://www.enverhoxha.info/frame.htm


As others have said, "isolationism" is just a slogan used by the bourgeoisie and intelligentsia of Western imperialism to discourage the independence and self-sufficiency of the relations of production in socialist countries, such as Albania. What the bourgeoisie seek is to liquidate the socialist relations and establish "free trade" and global markets. This leads to the exploitation of the proletariat and the decline of the productive forces in the former socialist countries, of course, aided by the bureaucratic degeneration upheld by the corrupt tendencies of revisionism.

[Ismail]

It should be noted that, like the cult of personality that developed around Stalin, Hoxha's too seemed to have been done not by himself, but by others. (Like Ramiz Alia's speech praising him on his 75th birthday, which Hoxha himself felt he had to respond too. Alia of course later became leader and ended Albanian Socialism)

Anyway, this link is interesting if you'd like to know more about Islam and how it developed: Hoxha on Islam (http://www.cpcml.ca/Tmld2001/TMLD192.htm).

[Cmde. Slavyanski]

http://allianceml.com is also a great source of Hoxhaist material, even critical analysis as well.

In case nobody has mentioned it before, the name is pronounced "Ho-Ja"(this is a common issue given that Albanian is not a commonly-studied language).

[Prairie Fire]

Anyway, this link is interesting if you'd like to know more about Islam and how it developed: Hoxha on Islam.

:blink:

Wow, I can't believe CPC-ML was still quoting Enver as late as 2001! While they did make their bones as a Hoxhaist party, the most succesful Hoxhaist party outside of Albania, I distinctly remember that ever since Enver kicked the bucket in '85, and the Chertsey conference of CPC-ML, I figured Enver was pretty much dropped from their ideological list.

While they still will support Marx,Engels and Lenin (when asked), and they still have a soft spot for Uncle Joe (covertly), most CPC-ML members seem perplexed when I tell them I am reading Hoxha; CPC-ML members have actually discouraged me from reading 'Imperialism and Revolution'.

No, for them it's all about Hardial Bains now. This post just surprised me, as it shows that maybe they haven't abandoned everything of their past....