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Romania’s Historical Path to the West

Our doctoral student, Mara Bălașa, has recently published an article in Engelsberg Ideas, offering a nuanced exploration of Romania’s cultural identity and its long-standing orientation towards the West.

In her article, “Romania’s Long Return to the West”, published on September 2, 2025, Mara Bălașa examines how Romania’s geopolitical stance and cultural evolution have been shaped over centuries by both its Latin heritage and its strategic need to balance against external threats.

By situating contemporary debates within a broader historical framework, the article underscores Romania’s significance as a strategic ally in Europe and illustrates how cultural identity and security concerns intersect in shaping national direction.

Read the full article here. 

CSSC Development Politics Public economics Article