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Auteurs indexés : Maria Costea. Source : hal-05678367, version 1.

COSTEA, Maria (2019 book), Diplomatia Romaniei si geopolitica europeana / Romania’s Diplomacy and the European Geopolitics, Iasi, European Institute, 2019, ISBN 978-606-24-0238-9, DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.13159.62883 BOOK Dedicated to the historian Viorica Moisuc Maria COSTEA is a historian and researcher at the “Gheorghe Șincai” Institute for Social and Human Research in Târgu-Mureș, under the auspices of the Romanian Academy. She specializes in the history of international relations. Her published volumes include: Romania and Bulgaria – Diplomacy and Conflict. Romanian-Bulgarian Negotiations on Disputed Issues from November 1933 to March 1940, as Reflected in Romanian Diplomatic Documents (2004); Romanian-Bulgarian Political and Diplomatic Relations (1938–1940) (2010); Romania’s Integration into the European Union: Challenges and Perspectives (2007). She has undertaken research internships in both Romanian and foreign archives and libraries, including: the Archives of the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Bucharest), the Archives of the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Brussels), and the State Archives in Chernivtsi, Ukraine. Diplomacy of Romania and European Geopolitics. A Book in Honor of Historian Viorica Moisuc This volume is published in honor of the distinguished historian Viorica Moisuc, at the height of a career dedicated to the history of diplomacy and modern and contemporary international relations. The opening chapter, authored by Maria Costea, PhD in History and Simion Costea, Professor Dr. Habil., Jean Monnet Chair of EU Policies and Institutions, offers a historiographical analysis of Professor Moisuc’s scholarly work. In his contribution, historian Ion Calafeteanu recalls key episodes from Viorica Moisuc’s academic path and highlights her major and lasting contributions to historical research: her rigorous methodology, critical insight, depth of analysis, national and international recognition, and her courage to write with professional integrity, avoiding ideological distortions during various political regimes. The volume further explores several research directions initiated by Professor Moisuc, while also contributing new academic perspectives to both Romanian and European historical scholarship. A significant number of authors completed their doctoral studies under Professor Moisuc’s supervision, while others are respected scholars and long-time collaborators. Additional contributors represent other academic institutions, with diverse backgrounds in international relations. The book provides a coherent exploration of key moments in diplomatic and geopolitical dynamics over more than a century, from the early 20th century to the 21st century. Among these, the Treaty of Bucharest (1913) and its geopolitical consequences for the Aromanian and Megleno-Romanian communities are addressed in the late historian Dr. Virgil Coman’s chapter, which offers a nuanced reading of contested historical narratives. The author argues that regional cooperation and the protection of Romanian communities in the Balkans must remain strategic priorities for Romania in the 21st century. The volume reflects on the triumph of the principle of nationalities and the Great Union of 1918, set in a complex context of collapsing empires and emerging national movements. Romanian diplomatic actions supported national aspirations, including the missions of Take Ionescu in Paris (November 1918). Yet, these were intertwined with internal power struggles—Take Ionescu’s rivalry with Ion I. C. Brătianu being one such example. As shown by Dr. Constantin Iordan, diplomat Al. Cretzianu’s reports to Bucharest on alleged republican sympathies of Take Ionescu may have served political purposes rather than objective analysis. These episodes suggest that some diplomatic communications aimed to serve both national policy and the ambitions of political figures seeking advancement. Romania’s interwar diplomacy is presented as steadfast in defending the country’s post-1918 territorial integrity. Its actions prioritized peace, stability, the international legal order, and the status quo, all of which served Romania’s interests. This stood in contrast to revisionist threats from the Axis powers, the USSR, Hungary, and Bulgaria. The Romanian–Bulgarian relationship is examined in this light, including episodes of territorial tensions, border violence, and minority conflicts, but also moments of negotiation such as Prime Minister Stamboliski’s visit to Romania, analyzed by Dr. Maria Costea through Belgian diplomatic reports from Bucharest and Sofia, addressed to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Brussels. Broader geostrategic interests are further explored in chapters on the Danube regime, where Dr. Carmen-Irène Atanasiu and Dr. Constantin Cheramidoglu document Romania’s efforts to defend its vital interests at the Danube Delta. Another key theme is Romania’s relationship with the Vatican, which holds political-diplomatic and spiritual significance. Dr. Nechita Runcan explores the complexity of the Concordat, as well as the evolving relations between the Catholic and Orthodox Churches, particularly since Vatican II and through landmark moments such as Pope John Paul II’s visit to Romania—the first papal visit to a predominantly Orthodox country. Both Pope John XXIII and Pope John Paul II were canonized in 2014. The consequences of World War II are analyzed, especially the Soviet occupation and the imposed totalitarian regime in Romania, in contradiction with the Yalta Declaration on Liberated Europe. Prof. Dr. Valentin Ciorbea draws a clear distinction between the “Myth of Yalta” and historical reality. The Percentages Agreement and the presence of the Soviet Army enabled the totalitarian takeover in Eastern Europe, laying the foundation for the Iron Curtain division. Only after the Soviet military withdrawal in 1958 did Romania gradually assert a more independent foreign policy. While the regime remained totalitarian and Romania did not leave the Warsaw Pact or COMECON, the country began to distance itself diplomatically from Soviet hegemony. Historian Larry Watts uses American archival documents to reveal how Romania–USSR diplomatic tensions unfolded. The volume presents episodes in which national interest prevailed despite ideological constraints. Examples include Romania’s position on the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (Dr. Cezar Stanciu) and its negotiation role in the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (Dr. Traian Hristea). As shown by Ambassador Dr. Traian Hristea, Romania succeeded in promoting its own goals at the Helsinki Conference (1973–1975), even within a superpower-dominated context. While the USSR sought to formalize the postwar status quo and borders, the US emphasized human rights as a tool to undermine Soviet influence. The inclusion of Basket III (Human Dimension)—initially resisted by totalitarian regimes—became a gateway for future liberalization in Eastern Europe. Romania, aligning with Soviet positions on certain issues, nonetheless used the Helsinki Process to secure its core interests: sovereign equality, non-interference, rejection of the use of force, and international security guarantees. Its positions aimed to shield the country from potential Soviet aggression, as seen in Hungary (1956) and Czechoslovakia (1968). Within this diplomatic strategy, Romania collaborated with Western democracies. Romania also used Basket II to request international support for economic development in less-advanced European states, regardless of their political systems. Principles of mutual advantage, scientific cooperation, education, environmental protection, and technological development featured prominently in Romanian diplomacy. In the human dimension, Romania prioritized social rights (work, housing, education) over civil and political liberties, invoking the principle of non-intervention to deflect external criticism. After the fall of totalitarian regimes in Eastern Europe and the independence of former Soviet republics, the international system became increasingly multipolar, defined by complex interdependence and globalization. Romania actively supported human rights in regions such as the Caucasus and Central Asia. According to Ambassador Hristea, Romania brought a distinctive contribution to the OSCE democratization efforts, based on five principles: Proposing context-sensitive solutions rather than abstract objectives. Avoiding public blame and promoting dialogue. Acknowledging concerns about double standards voiced by post-Soviet states. Promoting cooperation and equality, avoiding hierarchical postures. Deploying seconded Romanian experts to capitals in the region. The Caucasus remains a tense geopolitical space influenced by Iran, Russia, and Turkey, analyzed in depth by Dr. Andreea-Paula Ibănescu. Russia’s annexation of Crimea and the 2014 Ukraine crisis have revived Cold War tensions, as shown by Colonel Prof. Dr. Dorel Buşe. Other case studies examine fragile state-building efforts in multi-ethnic, multi-confessional contexts such as Lebanon (article by Catinca Oncescu) and Bosnia (article by Mihaela Osorio). One century after the Sarajevo assassination and the outbreak of World War I, reconciliation in Bosnia remains a key regional and European goal. The EU accession perspective supports institutional development and intercommunal cooperation. Finally, in an era of complex interdependence, economic diplomacy has become central to shaping global relationships. Dr. Nicole Vasilcovschi’s contribution highlights the growing relevance of economic diplomacy in the 21st century, its scientific definitions, and the role of information economics in guiding policy and decision-making.