Drivers of internationalization of territorial development. The case of Albania

Mechanisms and trajectories triggered by globalization have largely influenced territorial development across the globe. Countries have tried to address territorial development with alternative fortunes due to the interlinked international and domestic economic, political, and social contingencies. In terms of sustainable land use, there have been enormous differences between the developed and under-developed countries. To overcome these territorial management imbalances, international actors have activated a number of initiatives aiming for a more coherent territorial development across the globe. Relevant actors like the United Nations Agencies, international development agencies, and the European Union EU have launched numerous territorial agendas aiming the assessment of the necessary actions to achieve a major balanced use of the territory. This paper explores the path of the drivers of a progressive internationalization of spatial planning practices. Its focus will be on Albania, which has recently introduced the reform of its national spatial development system, aiming at addressing its territorial challenges.