Romania's Strategic Culture 1990-2014 - Continuity and Change in a Post-Communist Country's Evolution of National Interests and Security Polic

The analysis of strategic culture helps to understand a nation's security identity and patterns of policy conduct. This book explores why some features of a country's strategic thinking remain rigid while others transform, particularly in post-communist Eastern Europe. Romania's communist regime cultivated a unique relationship with the Soviet Union, which shaped its national security narrative and foreign policy. While Romania adapted to novel security challenges, its traditional strategic culture remained largely constant, with core features such as the state-nation constellation being the most resilient to change.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 220 pages
Publication date: 08 December 2021
Publisher: ibidem-Verlag, Jessica Haunschild u Christian Schon

Strategic culture analysis is crucial for comprehending a nation's security identity and policy conduct patterns. While changes in strategic culture are inevitable, the reasons behind these transformations have received limited research attention. This book explores why certain aspects of a country's strategic thinking remain rigid while others undergo significant transformation.

Post-communist Eastern Europe has experienced a diverse range of shocks and shifts, particularly in the national strategic cultures of Romania. Under the communist regime, Romania cultivated a unique relationship with the Soviet Union, which shaped its national security narrative and led to a highly isolationist foreign policy. These factors have had a profound impact on Romanian post-communist strategic thinking and complicated the transition process.

At first glance, Romania appeared to adapt remarkably to new security challenges. However, closer examination reveals that certain core features of its strategic culture, such as the state-nation constellation, remained relatively constant. In contrast, intermediary features such as understanding of security and role conception, as well as outer layers such as foreign policy orientation and guidelines to using force, were more susceptible to influence from shocks, shifts, and norm entrepreneurs.

The study of strategic culture provides valuable insights into the dynamics of national security decision-making. It helps us understand why certain countries adopt certain policies and strategies while others opt for different paths. By examining the resilient and flexible aspects of strategic culture, we can better prepare for future challenges and opportunities.

Weight: 304g
Dimension: 153 x 211 x 9 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783838212869