Realism and Decisional Dilemmas in Romania’s Foreign Policy during the Neutrality

This study represents a historical and theoretical analysis of the Romanian foreign policy during the Romanian neutrality. We tried to articulate and elaborate a strong theoretical framework for our analysis. Thus we used different concepts belonging to the theory of international relations, such as national interest, alliances, realism, structural realism, constructivism etc. The Romanian political class aimed to achieve the national interest. We demonstrated that the Romanian state played the role of a rational actor, deliberately delaying the intervention in the war. The authorities were aware of the precariousness of military instruction, of the low level of competitiveness and, especially, the poor supply of war materials and munitions. Ion I. C. Brătianu decided on the involvement in the Great Conflagration only when he considered that the entry into action will require, if possible, minimal risks and losses with maximum benefits. Romania's decision to join the Entente was also delayed because of the presence of Russia in this alliance, even if France tended to assume the role of mediator during the Russo-Romanian negotiations, especially during 1915. Then, the Romanian diplomacy strove to obtain the recognition of all its claims regarding the future frontiers of the Romanian state. We emphasized the reasons of the Romanian Kingdom’s apprehensions to the great power of the East. These apprehensions originated in the historical precedents.

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