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Which socialist country was the most closed and dictatorial during the forty years of the Cold War?

Not the Soviet Union or North Korea, but Albania. (Although the Khmer Rouge was as crazy as Haiti, at least it had diplomacy, while Albania abolished diplomacy and foreign language education outright.)

Albania under Enver Hoxha was a one-party state where anything even resembling dissent or "bourgeois rightism" was brutally crushed. History books were not allowed to mention the existence of other political parties. Anyone caught listening to foreign radio stations or watching American or British films would be jailed for 10 years.

Also, all churches were outlawed. the Socialist Republic of Albania became the only atheist state, and its official state religion was "Marxism-Leninism".

(Leninism is a modified form of Marxism, a bastardization of Karl Marx's theories for use in Communist regimes.)

Enver Hoxha was a fierce proponent of the view that "socialism cannot be achieved without a 'new spirit,' " and that this "new spirit" should be infused into the nation by the power of the state.

He called this the "spiritual" component of the revolution.

To him, the word "religion" had no meaning. It was anathema to the very idea of a secular state in which only the state could be god, and the state was atheist.

Hoxha believed that, if the people were educated properly, they would see that religion was a tool of the rich and would willingly give up their "superstition" without a fight.

In reality, Albania was a theocracy. The government's power was invested in the Party, which was itself a dictatorship under Hoxha's iron fist.

At the same time, it was Hoxha who was a true dogmatic Stalinist, an ideological crusader. Without any consideration for national interests, he successively attacked the capitalist camp, the socialist camp, and the Non-Aligned Movement. Both the Soviet Union, Yugoslavia, and the People's Republic of China were successively asked by Hoxha for assistance and attacked as revisionists, while always breaking diplomatic relations with the United States and Britain.

In the end, Hoxha's ideological zealotry and his obsession with the purity of the revolution led to the isolation and eventual downfall of the country.

The fall of Hoxha's regime was a major blow to the prestige of the "new spirit" in Albania.

But there was a silver lining in this dark cloud.

September 1985

First Secretary of the Albanian Labor Party Ramiz Alia stands at the airport watching Soviet leader Romanov's plane land at the airport.

Alia's hands are stuffed in his jacket's pockets, and he is biting the side of his fingernail, a nervous habit.

The Soviet leader steps off the plane, and says, "Ramiz Alia, isn't it? I heard your speech in the city of Lille. It was well delivered."

"Thank you, Comrade."

Romanov holds out his hand, which Alia grips and shakes vigorously.

"I hope your trip to Paris went smoothly. I trust it was fruitful."

"It was, thank you."

"I was also very interested in your thoughts on the current state of the Soviet Union."

Romanov smiled and said, "I am also interested in the comrades of the Albanian Labor Party, and I am convinced that we can fight for the friendship and happy life of the Albanian people with the Soviet people, just like Comrade Hoxha and Comrade Stalin."

"I hope so, too." Alia nods.

The two top leaders soon left the airport. They walked down the red carpet and through the exit, where they were greeted by their escort.

Two cars were waiting outside, a black Lada and a blue Volga. The leaders got in the cars, and the vehicles drove to a local hotel.

The hotel was located near a park, and had a small pond and a children's playground.

A waiter poured them some tea, and said, "I hope you enjoy the stay. If you need anything else, do not hesitate to ask."

Romanov nodded.

The two cars drove off, and the leader watched them drive away.

Alia stared at the pond, and said, "The thing is... I'm having a bit of trouble understanding things. How did we get from the Iron Curtain to this? Where is the world going?"

"The world is going." Romanov put down his tea and said. "We know that our respective homelands are not perfect, but the ideals we believe in have been an inspiration to people all over the world. We sometimes lose our way and make mistakes in our course, but we try to set things right. Socialism does not mean closing ourselves off, but taking the initiative to accept the world and coexist with humanity; socialism is not about relying on visions of the future to achieve utopia, but going to live and struggle with our own hands to participate and achieve the best possible future."

"My thoughts exactly." Alia smiled.

"Now, let's see if we can have this debate without getting sidetracked." Romanov leaned back in the chair, stretched his long legs, and said, "Albania needs to get back into close foreign trade with back to the ECCU, Albania's GDP per capita of 3 million people is only $788.801, which is too bad for the standard of living of the Albanian people. However, the Soviet Union will no longer aid other countries without compensation."

"The Soviet Union is not a charity." Alia said hotly.

"No, but it is a trading partner, and it is not unreasonable for Albania to expect some compensation for the trade. The Soviet Union is a country of abundance. It has far more natural resources than Albania. Of course, the Brezhnev era is over. We will not interfere in the internal affairs of our ally, as long as it adheres to socialism & is willing to return to the Council for Mutual Economic Assistance. The Soviet Union can assist with a low-interest loan of $300 million..."

"And in exchange, what does Albania offer the Soviet Union?"

"A trading partner, who is also a friend, a country that is grateful for the help it has received from the Soviet Union." Romanov thought about it and said, "Of course, we need Albania to help us in some ways, such as allowing some Warsaw Pact criminal criminals to be smuggled into Italy with some refugees from Arab countries."

"Not a chance." Alia shook his head.

"Think about it. This could be a huge propaganda victory for the Left, and a huge financial benefit for the country." Albania only needs to help smuggle these people into Italy, and what these people do after that has little to do with the Soviet Union and Albania," Romanov explained. Besides, wasn't Yugoslavia troubled by ethnic problems? If something happens to Yugoslavia, the Soviet Union can support Bulgaria and Albania in protecting their fellow nationalities."

"I see your point, but something will have to be done about this."

"Of course, the Soviet Union will wait for your consideration. If you want, the Soviet Union will support Albania to become the Great Albanian State with Kosovo." Romanov said, smiling, to Alia.

"I'm not joking."

Alia considered the offer, and said, "I'll have to think about it."

"Of course. You are the leader of your country. The choice is yours." Romanov stood up. "Until we meet again."

"I'll be seeing you."

"See you soon."

The two cars drove off in two different directions. Alia stood by the pond, staring at the blue water.

A soft breeze blew, rustling the leaves of the trees. All around him, the park was filled with the sound of children playing. The sun shone brightly, warming his face. There was no sign of life from the hotel, but he knew they would return. In fact, he knew they had to.

The United States was an imperialist country, the Soviet Union was a hegemonic power...but Albania had no choice. There was no other option. The path forward, however, would be a difficult one.

As he sat there, his hand strumming the strings of a mandolin, he thought about the future. He thought about the world, and how the Soviet Union was a force for good in it. He thought about the freedom of the people, and how a free Albania would be a beacon of light in a dark Europe.

As a Communist, it was his duty to lead the people towards the light. If the world, and America in particular, wanted to destroy the Soviet Union, then he would do everything in his power to stop them. He was a soldier of the people, and would never do anything to harm the people.

However, the world was a complex place.

"Are you sure that the Albanian Labor Party will agree to our offer? Comrade General Secretary?" Tregubova asked, writing notes on paper with a pen at the counter, as Romanov withdrew his hand from the mandolin against the wall and said, "My dear, guess what Albania's GDP growth rate will be this year?"

"That it will be 4.4%?" Tregubova asked, puzzled.

"No, this year Albania's GDP growth rate is negative -1.5%."

"What?!" Tregubova exclaimed, looking up from her notes.

"Don't you understand? This represents a decrease in output. As a result, the country will actually end up making less money."

"I don't understand," Tregubova said, wringing her hands.

"What are you talking about?"

"The country just produced less goods than it did the previous year."

Romanov came up to her and said, "Of course, this is the result of the complete closure of Hoxha to the outside world. So, they need our aid, economic close trade and return to the ECC."

Tregubova stood up, a bit confused. "I don't understand what you're talking about."

"The country has been isolating itself. It's producing less because of it."

Tregubova's eyes widened, and she looked as if she were going to object, when Romanov said, "Quiet, you said I was completely right, didn't you?" She didn't answer, and Romanov continued, "The point is, we need them. And, this way, we're not just giving them aid, we're offering them a trade. A fair trade."

Tregubova looked a little confused still. She said, "I'm afraid that I don't understand any of this."

"It's okay, you just have to listen to me." Romanov turned on the crystal radio on the counter and cranked it up. The inside of the hotel lobby was filled with the sound of an Albanian folk song.

"The sea is wide, the mountain is high, the peasant is poor, the wolf is big..."

"Albania, the outside world has been unable to hear you for far too long. It is our duty, as the Government of the Soviet Union, to bring you back into the fold. The way forward is trade. The way forward is cooperation. The way forward is the path of Communism." Romanov lay back on the bed and stared at her. "We need to do this."

She looked a little unsure. "But, Comrade..."

"No buts. This is the path forward for Albania. We need to move forward. The choice is simple. Cooperation or isolation. Do you see the choice?"

Tregubova swallowed, and said, "I suppose so."

"We are living and fighting for the liberation and truth of mankind, that's enough." Romanov stared at her and said, "Damn, I'm more nearsighted, I'm seeing a little blurry."

"I'm not nearsighted," Tregubova said, a bit annoyed.

"It's fine, we're almost there, I can see fine," Romanov said, scratching his chin. "You should help me, I'm already old and it would be bad if I go blind one day."

"I don't think you're going blind," Tregubova said, rolling her eyes.

"Really? You're really not worried about my body? Come here." Romanov grabbed her hand and pulled her close, smooching her on the lips. He said, "Give you a kiss."

Tregubova's eyes widened. "You're disgusting!" She slapped him.

"Hey! If I was a filthy rich guy, you'd be all over me. So sue me."

"I'll give you a chance. If you ever do that again I'll..."

Romanov interrupted her and said, "How about that? Tell everyone that you were kissed by me?"

"You're not going to..."

"You and I are one, what do you think will happen if everyone knows that you are not only my secretary general but also have a personal relationship with me?"

"You're not going to do anything, because you have no reason to do so. And, because you'll be terrified of being caught and punished." Tregubova looked down. "I suppose you're right. Okay, if you insist..."

"Good girl, and, hey, you did stop me from going blind. Kiss me again."

Tregubova hesitated for only a brief moment, and kissed Romanov.

"Yes, you see, I knew you'd understand. That's why I chose you as my, you know, secretary general."

"Uh, General Secretary, actually," Tregubova corrected him, rolling her eyes.

"Whatever, it's not like it matters." Romanov said, lying flat on his back, "The important thing is that we are close people in a relationship. You need to trust me unconditionally, don't you?"

"Uh, well of course," she said, taken off guard.

"Okay, when we get back to the Soviet Union, you're going to help me install bugging devices in every building in the Kremlin."

Tregubova blinked a few times before saying, "Excuse me?"

"I need to wiretap that group of Politburo members, even the KGB, and I'm worried about being secretly bugged by them." He sat up and put his arm around her. "With your help, I can guarantee that there isn't a single recording device in this hotel room."

Tregubova sat silently, looking down at her lap.

"General Secretary," she whispered, barely audible.

"What is it?"

"I can't help you with... this."

Romanov stared at her solemnly and said, "Why? I trust you to ask this, you are most special to me. Wouldn't you like to help me eavesdrop?"

"I'm not sure I'm..."

"Look at me, won't you do this for my stability with the Soviets? Is our relationship just a sham?"

She remained silent for a moment, looking down.

"What do you think?" he asked.

"I... I don't know," she said. "I need time to think."

"Okay, now let's sleep." Romanov closed his eyes.

"Comrade..." Tregubova said, sounding hesitant, "I can't sleep with you."

"Oh, come on," he said. "I'm not going to bite."

Tregubova looked away and mumbled, "Not in a literal sense anyway." And, she turned away and fell asleep.

A few hours later, Romanov waked her. "Get up, sleepyhead."

"Where are we going?" she asked.

"Albanian Labor Party Congress, get dressed and come with me."

"Shouldn't we wait for the others?"

"No, they can fend for themselves." Romanov stood up and kissed her on the forehead. "Come on."

Tregubova slowly stood and got dressed. She kissed him back. "I'll be waiting for you in the lobby."

"I'll be there," Romanov said, pulling her close.

They left the hotel room and walked toward a large white building with a red star. The massive steel door opened as they approached it.

"This is the entrance," Romanov explained. "It will lead us to wherever the Congress is being held."

"What happens if we're not welcomed?"

Romanov froze for a moment and asked, "Why do you think so? The Albanian Labor Party is also a communist party, and they need our Soviet aid."

"But what if they don't want our help?"

"Then we'll have to decline it," Romanov replied.

"That could backfire."

"You're overthinking it, Albania only has a $2.3 billion GDP right now, are they going to give up $300 million in aid? No."

"But what if it's politically unacceptable?"

"It isn't."

Tregubova didn't say anything.

"The economy is just a continuation of politics through another means. Don't worry about it, let's get into the meeting."

Tregubova walked ahead of him into the building.

At the congress of the Albanian Labor Party, Ramiz Alia, the first secretary of the Albanian Labor Party, was sitting in the middle of the front row, with Romanov drinking tea next to him.

Ramiz Alia got up with the report and started his speech saying. "Comrades, today is the day we've been waiting for. The Congress has decided to support our request for Soviet assistance. We're happy to have such a powerful ally. In the words of K. Marx, 'From each according to his ability, to each according to his need.'"

Applause erupted.

"Before we begin, I'd like to make one announcement."

Everyone fell silent.

"I'm aware that this is a historic moment and one that has profound meaning for our nation. The decision that is being discussed today is not only a historic moment, but a political and economic turning point for our country. We have an opportunity to show the entire world that the path to communism is a peaceful one. The new policy that the Congress has approved will make Albania one of the most powerful nations in the world. It will also usher in an era of unprecedented progress and prosperity for our people. Our goal is to make Albania a superpower, and this is a step in the right direction. So, let us all rejoice."

Some people clapped, but others remained silent. Ramiz Alia waited for the applause to die down before starting his speech again. "Now, I'd like to introduce a very special guest."

Romanov stepped forward.

"Comrades, comrades, hello."

The crowd murmured greetings back.

Standing up without a script, Romanov began his speech, saying: "Today is 1985, the fortieth anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War, and the day of the departure of the Albanian leader, Comrade Hoxha. During these forty years, both the Soviet Union and Albania have deviated from the path and made mistakes. But there is no doubt that both the Bolsheviks and the Albanian Labor Party marched for the sake of all mankind towards a communist society with the elimination of classes and the distribution of goods according to needs! What is left to debate then? Only the method, the way to this glorious goal. In other words, the path to be taken. As the old saying goes: 'The means justify the ends.'

The result of the 'success' of capitalism is the decreasing social status of proletarian workers, the phenomenon of increasing costs of living conditions, the loss of the pursuit of knowledge and self-realization among young people, and the judging of social values only by wealth. The purchasing power of monetary consumption declines, and the cost of housing, health care, pensions, education and the social Gini coefficient continue to expand. Why did fertility rates decline in industrialized societies? That is the reason. If this is the future of all mankind, I can only say that such a human civilization will never be able to colonize outer space. It would just be on this asteroid waiting to perish.

The capitalist is a poor blind man who can't see the truth and freedom behind us. Not now, but under a new social and economic form of socialism to achieve a better life for working people. The best social form will surely win. Our working people will always be the vast majority. Socialism is the requirement of the times and the future. The road to communism is long and hard, but we have the will and the knowledge to complete it.

The Soviet Union has been a beacon of light to the world for over sixty years. We're not perfect, and we're getting better, but we have a long road ahead in which to perfect our methods. The path that we have chosen is a path of social justice and progress for all mankind. We are also convinced that Albania will develop together with the Soviet Union and other socialist countries! But we will never forget the path that we have chosen. We will never bow to the path of neo-liberal greed! We will never abandon those who are weaker than ourselves!

We will continue to build a strong, prosperous, and peaceful nation that will be a model for the world to emulate. For real truth and freedom! Long live socialism! Long live the workers! Long live the revolution!

Long live our great nation, Albania!"

Applause erupted.

"Thank you, comrade. I'd also like to add my voice to the resounding chorus of applause. We must all embrace the ideals of socialism and march towards its realization in a bid to achieve a better world for all mankind. One in which there is no longer any exploitative hierarchy, in which each individual is able to live their life in a manner that is worthy of all their human rights and dignity. I say we're only halfway through the journey, and we have a long and treacherous road ahead of us. The road to hell is paved with good intentions. The only way is to proceed through the flames of revolutionary struggle. Let us all work together. Let us all fight for the same cause! A world without borders or borders! A world that is a paradise for all and a paradise within each. A world in which there is a brotherhood among all of mankind. A world without war! A world with peace! A world of real and true freedom! Let us work together, let us fight together, let us struggle for a world of justice and brotherhood. For only, through struggle, can we hope to achieve it."

"Long live Comrade Grigory Vasilyevich!"

Applause erupted.

"My friends, we must all stand together. Through struggle, through sacrifice, through hardship, we will all overcome. We must all pull together. We must all fight for our common good."

"We will fight for a world of peace and brotherhood. For a world in which all live together in unity and prosperity. For a better future! For the future of all mankind!"

"For the future of all mankind!"

"For a socialist future!"

"For a bright communist future!"

"For the workers of the world, without borders, and without slaves!"

"For the workers of the world, with pride and dignity, and no fear!"

"Hurray for our great nation, Albania!"

After the speech was finished, Romanov and Alia returned to the meeting room.

"Well, how did it go?" asked Romanov.

"You talk a good game, but how do we know this is any different from the last time?" asked Alia skeptically.

"We don't have a choice, do we? By the way, I hope to vindicate the political prisoners of the Hoxha period."

"Me too. What did you have in mind?"

"Well, it's rather obvious. The first step will be to free those we've been holding for the most part."

"It's not that simple. The government has released several in order to facilitate the release of political prisoners. It's a difficult process, which they will not simply just abandon."

Romanov nodded and said. "Then, Albania needs to develop its economy in the direction of agricultural mechanization and tourism. Of course, this is just my personal suggestion. However, I think that these are the fields in which we will be able to show our strength the most effectively. The government should consider these suggestions. I'm sure that they will be well-received. But now, I think we should discuss the current political situation. We have very little time, so I hope you all will be as efficient as possible."

"I've already done a lot of work on this front, I've come up with an idea of a list of people that I think should be released in order to help facilitate the release of political prisoners."

Romanov nodded and said, "Very well, tomorrow I'm going back to the Soviet Union. So, will the Albanian Labor Party accept the previous offer?"

"It might be an option," said Alia. "We will re-establish diplomatic relations with the Soviet Union and return to the Council for Mutual Economic Assistance, but the Soviet Union will guarantee Albania's security and trade contacts."

"I'm sure that'll be satisfactory," said Romanov.

"I'm also sure that we will have to release some political prisoners in order to make this work," said Alia.

"That's your choice," said Romanov.

"As you wish," said Alia. "You have my thanks."

"My thanks too," said Romanov.

The next few days passed by in a whirlwind. The Council of Ministers had voted unanimously to establish diplomatic relations with the Soviet Union. The Soviet ambassador, An V. Khristenko, and his wife, Irina, arrived in Albania, as did several delegations from the Soviet embassies in other countries. The Soviet Trade Representative, Yevgeny V. Afanas'ev, called for the establishment of a free trade area between the two countries.

The process of releasing political prisoners began that very same day. The prisoners on the list were handed over to the Red Cross, who began to transport them to free countries. During the course of the next month, the remaining prisoners on the list were released.

It was not long, however, before the Soviet Union's representative began pressuring the Albanian government to establish formal diplomatic relations. The Albanian government, however, was wary of the Soviet Union's influence.

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