http://www.romanianculturalcentre.org.uk/index.php/cultural-diary/2007/06/26 /an-alliance-dilemma-understanding-romanian-foreign-policy-in-the-context-of -transatlantic-divergences-by-mircea-micu/
'An Alliance Dilemma? Understanding Romanian Foreign Policy in the Context of Transatlantic Divergences', by Mircea Micu 18.30 - 20.30, The Romanian Cultural Centre, 8th floor, 54-62 Regent Street, London W1B 5RE; Tel. 020 7439 4052, ext 102; e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; Entry is free but booking is essential. Rejoining the transatlantic family after almost 50 years on the dark side of the Iron Curtain did not bring Romania the desired peace of mind. As certain American and European international polices became excruciatingly divergent, Romania (like many other former communist countries in the region) was caught in the middle and pressured to take one side or another. This paper tries to answer key questions such as 'What prompted Romania to align sometimes with the US and other times with the EU when these two major allies defended antagonistic positions?' 'Did Romania take a course of action out of fear of losing the support of the stronger ally or fear of being confronted with retaliatory measures?' or 'Did Romania cunningly calculate the costs and benefits before each decision in order to maximise the benefits?' or 'Were Romania's policy decisions the projection of an ongoing process of societal transformation or the manifestation of evolving identities and interests?'. To answer these questions, the author employs the explanatory power of three dominant international theories (realism, liberalism and constructivism) on four case studies in which American and European stances clashed and Romania was under great pressure to support one side or another (the War on Iraq, the International Criminal Court, Kyoto Protocol and international child adoptions). - Mircea Micu Mircea Micu is currently reading for a postgraduate diploma in diplomatic studies at the University of Oxford. David Webster, Director of the Anglo-Romanian Economic and Political Forum, will chair the discussions. Organised by The Ratiu Foundation UK More details on <http://www.ratiufamilyfoundation.com/> www.ratiufamilyfoundation.com. Romanian Cultural Centre London: http://www.romanianculturalcentre.org.uk Copyright C2006-2007 Romanian Cultural Centre London ---------------------------- Vali "Noble blood is an accident of fortune; noble actions are the chief mark of greatness." (Carlo Goldoni) "When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace." (Jimi Hendrix)
