There’s a video circulating where a professor (Dr. Kabo) is touching on something deep, something unspoken.

It asks: “Why do Albanians endure so much—sometimes to the point of submission? Where does this mindset come from? Why have we, as a people, tolerated oppression, manipulation, and disillusionment for generations?“

And most importantly—how do we break free from this cycle?

Let’s dive in.

The Video: A Mirror to Our Reality

Albanians share a history of hardship that goes far beyond ancient occupations. The struggle continued through brutal dictatorships, wars, and social turmoil that shaped our collective identity and psychology.

Through communism, Albania became a fortress state where paranoia and control defined everyday life. Political purges, thousands of executions, forced labor camps, and total isolation left deep scars on our society. Albanians could not even own passports until 1990.

Meanwhile, Albanians in Kosovo and Macedonia faced systematic oppression under Yugoslavia, culminating in the brutal Kosovo War of 1998-1999 and the war in Macedonia in 2001. Only then we got some freedom back.

But even today, the consequences of these past struggles persist. Economic instability, brain drain, and cultural divisions continue to shape Albanian communities across the Balkans. This historical weight influences how Albanians interact with each other and the world.

The video unpacks a historical and psychological truth about Albanians: the endurance we take pride in has a dark side—it has often led us to accept what we should resist. It suggests that our long history of occupations, from Romans to Ottomans, from communism to corrupt leadership, has conditioned us to adapt instead of rebel.

What’s worse? The ruling class—our own—often collaborated with the oppressors. This blurred the lines of who the real enemy was. The people couldn’t direct their anger outward; instead, they turned it inward. The occupier wasn’t some distant foreign ruler; he had an Albanian face. He was the tax collector, the judge, the official—someone who spoke our language yet served someone else’s interests.

So what did that do to our mindset?

• It confused our sense of loyalty.
• It made us cautious in trusting each other.
• It conditioned us to accept injustice as ‘the way things are’.
• It distorted our emotional expression—we learned to fake respect but pour all our soul into hatred.

And that’s the most dangerous part: We became less sincere when we love, but brutally sincere when we hate.

This is not just history—it’s still present today, in our relationships, our business environment, and even in how Albanians treat each other in the diaspora. It’s time we become aware of it and rise above it.

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The Psychology Behind It: Why Do We Act This Way?

The video taps into deep psychological scars that history has left on us. Let’s break them down:

1. The Loss of a Clear Enemy

When a nation is oppressed by an external force, rebellion comes naturally. But for Albanians, that line was never clear. Our leaders weren’t just foreign rulers; often, they were Albanian elites who played the role of oppressors within their own nation.

This led to an identity crisis. If the person enforcing injustice is also Albanian, who do we fight? Who do we hate? Who do we trust?

Result: We turned against each other instead.

2. The Duality of Emotions: Love vs. Hate

Over time, this uncertainty shaped our emotional expression. Since sincerity with power figures could get you punished, we learned to fake submission. We smiled when we had to. We bowed when necessary. We learned to move within the system rather than destroy it.

But our real emotions needed an outlet.

• Since we couldn’t openly fight oppression, we stored our rage.
• And when we finally released it—we unleashed it fully.

This explains why Albanians often appear reserved in showing love but fierce when expressing anger. We learned to suppress love but intensify resentment.

3. The Survival Mentality: Enduring Instead of Changing

Centuries of oppression taught us one thing: Survival first. Resistance later.

When a society is repeatedly conquered, people prioritize short-term survival over long-term change. Instead of breaking the system, they learn to live within it. This explains why Albanians have historically been:

• Highly adaptable
• Extremely resilient
• But slow to unite for collective progress

In modern terms, this means we can thrive anywhere in the world, but we struggle to build strong institutions or long-term structures back home.

4. The Legacy of Serving Others vs. Owning Our Future

For centuries, Albanians have been used in external administrations—whether in the Ottoman Empire, Yugoslavia, or beyond. We adapted to serve foreign rulers, excelling in administrative, military, and bureaucratic roles. Instead of building and owning our own structures, we learned to operate within systems designed by others.

This mindset carried over into modern times. Today, Albanians dominate outsourcing and service industries, providing labor and expertise for global companies rather than creating their own tech products and brands. Instead of investing in ownership and innovation, we often choose security and short-term stability over long-term impact.

• We build for others instead of for ourselves.
• We play it safe instead of taking risks.
• We work for hourly rates instead of investing in scalable products.

This is not just an economic issue—it’s psychological. It reflects a deeper self-worth issue that stems from generations of subjugation. The shift we need is not just financial; it’s a transformation in how we see ourselves as creators, innovators, and owners of our own destiny.

Albanians have chosen this experience for themselves, at the soul level. The struggles, the battles, the lessons—they are part of the path we have walked as a people. But now, we must choose a different future. It is time to break free from the chains of servitude and reclaim our place as creators, not just workers; leaders, not just followers.

To make my point in the modern times:

• In any combat sport, when it’s a 1on1 situation – Albanians have been highly successful (Wrestlers, Martial Artists, Boxers)
• We won Gold Medals, Olympic Medals, many World championships, European championships in martial arts, boxing, wrestling, judo, etc.

Remarkably, at just 19 years old during the Los Angeles Olympics, Shaban Trstena celebrates his big victory, where he clinched the gold medal in wrestling, alongside his silver medal at the 1988 Seoul Olympics.

• We have world-famous singers such as Dua Lipa, Bebe Rexha, Rita Ora, Ava Max, Inva Mula (voice of the Diva in 5th element = Love/Life Force)
• World famous for Charity/Nobel peace prize: Mother Teresa

• We have famous Hollywood actors of Albanian origin: Jim Belushi, John Belushi, Eliza Dushku and many others
• We have highly successful entrepreneurs, in business, in politics in all kinds of countries.
• And of course we have our famous football players playing in all kinds of leagues, winning the Champions League or becoming the captain of the Swiss national team

So, as said in modern terms, this means we can thrive anywhere in the world, put an Albanian in any corner of the world, and thanks to our resilience and warrior mentality, sooner or later you will see someone fighting to get to the top.

But, and here comes the big BUT: we struggle to build strong institutions or long-term structures back home. We struggle to build our own systems, organizations, and governments. We escape. We endure. But we rarely change the system that made us endure in the first place.

So, if Albanians thrive anywhere in the world, but do not thrive in their own home country, we must ask ourselves:

“Is our society sick? (…) If there is no creativity and love, then it is a sick society. So, even time itself can make us ill.” – Prof. Asoc. Dr. Perparim Kabo, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

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The Albanian Experience & Warrior DNA

The video’s message aligns with something even deeper—The Albanian Experience, a concept that speaks to our unique identity and struggles.

Before going into the Albanian Warrior DNA itself, let’s go even further back in time to fully connect all dots with this groundbreaking Genetic Study that confirms the Origins of Albanians. Greek and Polish researchers confirm the deep roots of the Albanian people, tracing their origins back to the Illyrians and Dardanians of the Western Balkans.

This study analyzed over 6000 ancient genomes, establishing a clear genetic continuity from the Bronze Age and Iron Age populations, long before the Slavic migrations that reshaped much of Eastern Europe.

The findings reinforce the enduring identity of Albanians as direct descendants of ancient Balkan inhabitants. This aligns with the long-standing historical narratives and archaeological evidence, positioning the Albanians as the fundamentally distinct group with deep historical ties to the region of present-day Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro, and parts of Serbia.

The study further indicates that the genetic makeup of people in Albania has remained very consistent for about 3000 years. It means that many Albanians today are still genetically similar to their ancestors who lived thousands of years ago, showing a long-lasting connection to their historical roots.

This study not only enriches our understanding of the Albanian identity but also provides a factual basis for the psychological resilience and enduring spirit of the Albanian people. Albanians persisted in isolated mountainous regions, preserving their DNA, language, and cultural heritage, against all odds.

And when I say against all odds, then it is exactly that:

In 1444, a general council of Albanian leaders was convened in the city of Lezhë, where they united the Albanian principalities under Skanderbeg as their leader. This marked the first significant unification of Albania under a single leader. From 1443 to 1468, under Skanderbeg’s leadership, the Albanians, often numbering around 10,000 soldiers, successfully defended their territory against up to 10X larger and better-equipped Ottoman forces.

Over these 25 years, Skanderbeg’s army won numerous battles, effectively defending Albania.

Consider the remarkable warrior spirit required to face a battle with odds of 1:10 — 8,000 against 80,000 — and still secure a decisive victory for Albania. Engaging 8,000 Albanian warriors against an 80,000-strong Ottoman force — and emerging victorious — would not only require immense courage but also superior tactics, high morale, and Besa until death. This is the legendary heroism associated with Skanderbeg and his troops, who are celebrated for their resilience and clever use of their smaller numbers to outmaneuver a larger enemy.

The Warrior Spirit of Albanian Women

The Albanian warrior DNA is not just found in men—it runs equally in the blood of Albanian women, who have fought, led, and shaped our destiny just as fiercely.

From Queen Teuta, the Illyrian warrior queen who defied the Romans, to Shote Galica, the fearless fighter who took up arms for Albanian freedom, our history is filled with female warriors. Musine Kokalari, the first female Albanian writer, sacrificed her life resisting dictatorship, proving that the pen can be just as powerful as the sword.

Teuta’s name – originally Teuta(na) meant literally “Queen” or “Ruler of the People” in Illyrian. So, this was not just a personal name, but a title symbolizing leadership, power, and rule over a warrior people.

And in modern times, we still see this warrior DNA.

• Dua Lipa and Rita Ora have not only dominated global music but have proudly carried the Albanian name onto the world stage.
• Majlinda Kelmendi, Kosovo’s first Olympic gold medalist, proved that Albanians can rise to the top in any field.
• Bebe Rexha, Inva Mula, and others continue to showcase Albanian excellence internationally.

The message is clear: The Albanian warrior DNA is alive in every one of us. Men or women, past or present—we are born warriors.

1. The Albanian DNA: The Warrior of Light

For centuries, Albanians were warriors, creators, and leaders. But as time passed, we were conditioned to serve others rather than build for ourselves.

From being feared in battle, trusted in leadership, and honored for our word, we became functionaries in foreign administrations, soldiers in other people’s armies, and workers in economies that were not our own.

The true Albanian spirit—the original, untamed, and elevated self—is that of a Warrior of Light. This is the Albanian who is healed, unbroken, and fully realized. It is who we are meant to be when we break free from suppression, historical trauma, and conditioned self-sabotage.

Our core values as Albanian Warriors of Light:

• Mastery – We do not lower our heads to anyone.
• Courage – We make our decisions with fearlessness.
• Besa – We understand the power of our word.
• Freedom – We put freedom above all else.
• Trust – We honor hospitality and protect those under our roof.

This is who we are at our best—before centuries of oppression conditioned us otherwise. But to thrive, we must also nurture creativity and love.

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How – dua.com – Can Help Albanians Rise

This is where dua.com comes in. The problem isn’t just historical—it’s cultural, emotional, and psychological. And technology has the power to rewire our collective mindset by providing spaces where Albanians can connect, trust, and grow together.

1. Be the One, Find the One, Grow Together

The core philosophy of dua.com aligns perfectly with this transformation:

• BE the One – First, we must heal ourselves. Self-love and self-mastery are key to becoming strong individuals who can contribute to something greater.
• FIND the One – When we know who we are, we can attract and recognize the right people—partners, collaborators, and friends who align with our purpose.
• GROW Together – True power lies in unity. Whether in relationships or communities, real success comes when we lift each other up rather than compete destructively.

By shifting from isolation to connection, from self-sabotage to mutual growth, we change the narrative of what it means to be Albanian.

2. Rebuilding Trust Between Albanians

Albanians have long struggled with trust—whether in business, politics, or personal relationships. dua.com is designed to fix that.

• By creating a safe space for Albanians to connect based on authenticity.
• By fostering genuine relationships instead of surface-level interactions.
• By breaking toxic patterns of superficial love and deep-seated resentment.

3. A New Era of Albanian Connection

For too long, we have been disconnected—physically, emotionally, and mentally. dua.com is the tool that bridges Albanians worldwide, preserving Albanian DNA and language.

• No more division.
• No more inherited resentment.
• No more playing small.

We have carried the burden of history for too long. It’s time we put it down—not to forget, but to evolve. dua.com isn’t just an app—it’s a movement.

Because we deserve more than just survival. 

We deserve to thrive.

Children of the White Star – A Poem

Before the world was carved into kingdoms, before the rivers whispered the names of empires, there were the Illyrians—wild as the mountains, free as the wind, eternal as the stars.

Among them, in the highlands of Dardania, where the earth bore fruit and warriors stood unyielding, a king rose—Bardhyll, the White Star. His name was not mere chance; it was destiny.

Bardh—White, pure as untouched snow, as truth unbroken.
Yll—Star, burning in the abyss, guiding through the dark.

His land, Dardania, took its name from the fruit of its soil—Dardha, the pear—a place where life flourished, where roots ran deep, where strength was nurtured as the trees bore fruit. It was not just a name, but a promise: to grow, to endure, to never fall barren.

But time, ever restless, tested them. The Romans marched, the Ottomans ruled, the tyrants came and went, and yet—the fire remained. The name of the Bright Ones—Albani—never faded. Even when they lost their crowns, they never lost their light.

And when the world called them by another name, they answered as Shqiptarë—Children of the Eagle. No longer just the White Star, but the Sky’s Warrior.

Yet, something still lingers, a shadow in the blood, a wound in the spirit. For too long, we have endured when we should have built. We have survived when we should have conquered.

Now, the time has come again.
To rise, not just endure.
To lead, not just follow.
To remember who we are.

We are the brothers and sisters of Bardhyll.
The White Star of our ancestors still burns.
And the sky is still ours because we put freedom above anything. We are Illyrians, Dardanians, Albanians.