The International Dimension of a local problem: Serbian Goals Versus Italian Aspirations in Albania (1912–1914)

Stojić, Biljana (2020) The International Dimension of a local problem: Serbian Goals Versus Italian Aspirations in Albania (1912–1914). In: War, Peace and Nation-Building (1853–1918). Collection of Works / The Institute of History Belgrade ; vol. 43 . Belgrade : The Institute of History ; Roma : Sapienza University of Rome, Research center CEMAS, pp. 205-222. ISBN 978-86-7743-140-2

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Abstract

This paper examines Serbia’s goal to provide an outlet to the Adriatic Sea in the First Balkan War and the consequences of that attempt until the outbreak of the Great War. “The War for the Sea” was a brief episode from 1912, but important and very indicative for the later course of events and ItaloSerbian relations. Serbia’s aspiration towards the Albanian coast was not due to an imperialistic ambition, as was claimed by the Austro-Hungarian propaganda, but rather a way out from the Habsburg Empire’s strong economic and political pressure on Serbia. But in this peculiar endeavor of November–December 1912, Serbia’s desire conflicted with the interests of Italy. Being a great power, Italy cherished its interests in Albania long time before and after 1912. The discussed topic will be presented in the chronological order from Serbia’s perspective and its relations with Italy and AustriaHungary. A focus is also placed on the origin of the idea, the ongoing war operations until the London Peace Conference (December 1912 – May 1913) and finally through the work of two international border demarcation commissions (October 1913 – June 1914). The facts presented in the paper rely on documents kept in Serbian and foreign archives, as well as on relevant literature

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