The Xenocracy of German Prince Wilhelm zu Wied in Albania, March – September 1914

Abstract

On June 29, 1913, the Conference of Ambassadors in London recognized and proclaimed Albania as an independent state. The first decision declared it an autonomous, sovereign entity, based on the right of a hereditary Principality. Its existence was guaranteed by the Great Powers, who would also elect the Prince. The candidate for the throne was to be selected by consensus from Austria-Hungary and Italy, with the approval of other participating states. This choice was closely tied to the form which the new state should take. The creation of the new Albanian state was of primary interest to the states of the Tripartite Alliance. For constituent member Germany, resolving the Albanian issue was crucial, since they regarded Albania as a ‘tertium comparationis’—an external comparator—between Austria-Hungary and Italy.

The appointment of this foreign ruler, who was to represent the policy of the Great Powers in Albania, sparked many discussions and highlighted the conflicting interests of Austria-Hungary and Italy regarding the solution to the Albanian issue. Given the short timeframe for the Prince’s election—within six months since the decision was taken—Austria and Italy assessed Prince Wilhelm zu Wied as the most suitable candidate for the Albanian throne. This proposal was agreed upon by all six Great Powers. This year marks the 110^th anniversary of Wilhelm zu Wied and his court’s arrival in Durres. Six months after his arrival in the ‘homeland’ promised by the Great Powers, he departed. This article will delve into who Wilhelm zu Wied was, explore the reasons for his selection as the leader of the new Albanian state, and, above all, analyze the factors contributing to his failure in Albania.