Pushtimi

Pushtimi is an Albanian noun meaning the act of occupying or conquering territory by a foreign power. It is used to describe military campaigns that bring a region under another state’s control, as well as broader processes of domination and subjugation. The related verb pushtoj means to occupy, invade, or subdue; pushtimi is the noun form.

In historical and contemporary contexts, pushtimi is commonly discussed in relation to occupation by imperial or foreign powers. In Albanian history, references to pushtimi often concern the Ottoman conquest and periods of foreign rule over Albanian-inhabited regions. In modern political discourse, the term can describe situations where sovereignty is compromised by a foreign military presence, whether temporary or prolonged.

Under international law, an occupation is the effective control of a territory by foreign armed forces without transfer of sovereignty. An occupying power has duties to maintain public order and safety, protect civilians, and ensure the provision of essential services, while respecting the laws of war. Occupation differs from annexation, which involves acquiring sovereignty over territory and incorporating it into the occupying state.

Etymology: pushtimi comes from pushtoj, meaning to occupy, and forms part of the broader Albanian vocabulary on power and conflict. The term appears in historical writing, journalism, and legal discussions when analyzing events in which one actor exercises control over another’s territory.