Ever since Missosology was founded, there is that oft repeated phrase that one might read now and then – politics has a large influence in beauty pageants and it is the reason why Missosology was born. The analysis of beauty pageants, missosology, has become a science with broad spectrum but it all started in a premise that the outcome of beauty pageants was largely all about politics.
And now everyone hates when politics kicks in at beauty pageants. The fact of the matter is, in 2013, politics played a significant role in beauty pageants. Israel’s non-participation at Miss World is due to politics since Indonesia does not recognize Israel. China made a comeback at Miss International which signifies the thawing of their strained relationship. And lastly, the one that caught a lot of attention, is the absence of Kosovo and Albania including Georgia at the Miss Universe 2013 held in Moscow.
While it is understandable that Kosovo and Georgia are not participating, (Russia does not recognize Kosovo and Georgia has a mini war with Russia) Albania’s absence was a bit perplexing. Until of course one will understand the complex relationship of Albania and Russia. A brief look at history shows that communist Albania had a rift with the then Soviet Union. Albania sided with China but years later it realized that Soviet help and aid was way superior than that of China.
Just before the Soviet Union collapsed, Albania normalized its relations with Moscow. However, as the new world order emerged, Albania’s interests no longer aligns with Russia. Albania is now a NATO member and is seeking admission to the European Union. When Kosovo broke away from Serbia, Albania found itself in direct conflict with Russia. And while politically Albania has now normalized its relationship with Russia, the fact that Russia sides with Serbia on the Kosovo issue means Albanians are generally wary of the Russians. As such, when Kosovo was technically barred from joining the Miss Universe 2013 pageant, Albania showed sympathy. And while it is largely due to the fact that the National Director of both Miss Universe Albania and Miss Universe Kosovo contests happens to be a single person, the truth is, even if its is not, Albania would still boycott the pageant. Kosovars and Albanians share the same painful history and are ethnically similar.
Not to worry though, as we will definitely see more Albanian beauties at the Miss Universe pageant. The country has already established itself as a strong contender although lately it had some lackluster performance. Albania debuted at Miss Universe in 2002 as a semifinalist thanks to Anisa Kospiri. The names of Hasna Xhukici and Angela Martini had already left a good impression at the pageant. But when the comparison comes in, Kosovo’s performance is way much superior than Albania’s.
The 2013 Miss Universe drama and the fact that Kosovo is doing well, should be enough for Albanians to review its strategy. What if in the future, another country that does not recognize Kosovo will bar a Kosovar beauty from participating? Albania is a country recognized by all nations and for the country to skip a pageant that does not allow Kosovo to participate is not in the best interest of Albania. Perhaps it is now the time to have its own pageant that looks only after the interest of Albania and not of any other nation. Meanwhile, the Albanian government is currently doing its best to normalize its relationship with Russia despite the Kosovo issue because they knew it is the right thing to do. Perhaps, the Miss Universe Albania should also follow suit.
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