The Role of National Identity in the Trajectory of Romania’s Foreign Policy (1990-2007)

Abstract

This thesis explores the significance of national identity in shaping the trajectory of Romania’s foreign policy between 1990 and 2007. It explains why and how Romania’s Euro-Atlantic national identity was subject to re-definitions and discursive dialogue prior to the European Union accession on 1 January 2007, as well as how and why these identity re-definitions influenced the state’s foreign policy decisions. The research employs a multi-dimensional framework of national identity, which draws from four academic literatures related to: constructivism, nationalism studies, collective memory and self-esteem and international recognition. National identity formation represents a two-way socio-psychological process that depends on both domestic and international factors. To identify the themes or self-images of national identity, the project has examined the discourses of elites as the primary actors of Romanian foreign policy. The three main self-images of Romania’s Euro-Atlantic national identity – ‘European’, ‘non-Balkan’ and ‘security provider’ – configured an ideational foundation that impacted on the state’s foreign policy throughout 1990 and 2007.

Date of Award	26 Feb 2015
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Aberystwyth University
Sponsors	Economic and Social Research Council
Supervisor	Alistair Shepherd (Supervisor) & Patrick Finney (Supervisor)