About
Mission
The Institute of Political Studies ‘Sami Frashëri’ is a research center with educational, research and consulting character that operates as a Non-Profit Organization (NGO). The mission of the Institute is:
I
To formulate, promote and advance the debate on geostrategic dynamics, focusing on Albania's position in the Balkan region; to offer and advance innovative ideas to promote the harmonization of policies and advance political cooperation among the actors of the region, to promote alternative views to hegemonic approaches for a peaceful Balkans;
II
To formulate, promote and advance public debate on conservative public policies based on the principles of free enterprise, limited government, traditional Albanian values and the promotion of strong national feelings;
III
To contribute to the education of an elite of entrepreneurs and decision-makers who are guided in their activity by respect for the virtues of traditional society, family, respect for religious belief, individual and community ownership.
Staff
Dr. Ardian Muhaj is a faculty member at the Institute of History in Tirana. He obtained his PhD degree in Medieval History, Faculty of Letters, University of Lisbon (2014). Since 2007 he is Correspondent Member of the Academia Portuguesa da História - Portuguese Academy of History.
Dr. Ardian Muhaj is a faculty member at the Institute of History in Tirana. He obtained his PhD degree in Medieval History, Faculty of Letters, University of Lisbon (2014). Since 2007 he is Correspondent Member of the Academia Portuguesa da História - Portuguese Academy of History.
Dr. Mentor Beqa is lecturer of International Politics at the Faculty of Law and Political Sciences at “Aleksandër Moisiu” University, Durrës. He graduated in Journalism from University of Tirana, then pursued Master studies in International Security Policy at the University of Geneva, and received a Doctor of Political Science in International Relations from the European University of Tirana.
His areas of expertise include strategic policy, security policy, policy theory with a focus on international policy theory, social theory, philosophy of science and scientific research methods.
Dr. Beqa is the author of several publications in scientific journals. He has also contributed with various public policy reports with national, regional or international projects.
Dr. Beqa has held public positions such as that of Advisor and Director of the Cabinet of the Minister of Defense during the years 2009-2013 and Advisor to the Minister of Interior in 2017.
Vehap Kola is a lecturer of organizational and social sciences at the University of New York at Tirana (UNYT). He is pursuing his PhD in the field of Organizational Studies at Marmara University in Istanbul. He completed his university studies in Finance at the University of Tirana.
Kola comes from a considerable experience in consultancy for small and medium-sized enterprises, investor relations and public relations. His research interests include economics, geo-economics, foreign direct investment, etc.
Vehap Kola actively participates in the public debate in Albania, Kosovo and Macedonia through his OP-EDs and comments in new media. In addition to his professional experience in the private sector and academia, he is known as a civil activist who has organized and participated in a number of civic and community initiatives such as civil protests against the destruction of Syria's chemical weapons in Albania.