Gheorghe Gheorghiu-Dej and Romania’s Eastern Neighbourhood∗
Gheorghe Gheorghiu-Dej and Romania’s Eastern Neighbourhood∗

Summary/Abstract: The study analyses the issue of Romania’s eastern neighbourhood in the period between 1945 and 1965 from the perspective of Gheorghiu-Dej’s power interests. The research follows three main directions: the way in which neighbourhood is conceived from the perspective of the communist ideology; the geopolitical consequences of the neighbourhood relation between Romania and the USSR; aspects of the diplomatic relations. From a methodological point of view the research brings into discussion elements of psycho-history. The main conclusion of the research is that Gheorghiu-Dej manifested a total obedience, often excessive, towards the Soviet Union until the moment when he removed all his opponents from the communist party and Soviet troops were withdrawn from Romania (1958). The Soviet Union’s wish to increase its control and integration degree over the communist bloc economies determined the emergence of divergences between Bucharest and Moscow. That is the context of diplomatic disputes and the Romanian communist leadership establishes its position within the so-called “April 1964 Declaration”. Gheorghiu-Dej was an adept of realpolitik, of prudence, in order to avoid any situation that could endanger his political position.

• Details
• Contents