POLITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS: REALISM VS. IDEALISM IN MARSHAL ION ANTONESCU’S POLITICAL THOUGHT
POLITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS: REALISM VS. IDEALISM IN MARSHAL ION ANTONESCU’S POLITICAL THOUGHT

Summary/Abstract: This work looks at the political discourse of Marshal Ion Antonescu from the perspective of international relations theory, specifically realism and idealism. There is no agreement yet among historians and political scientists regarding the nature of the regime of Ion Antonescu. Some have called him a nationalist, a fascist dictator, others see in him a moderate dictator, or simply an opportunist politician. Therefore, further exploration of his political personality from the lenses of international relations theory should not be dismissed. One way of conducting this exploration can be done by comparing his personal writings, diplomatic letters and political correspondence with the main features of realism and idealism. The existent literature on the subject is also used in order to provide insight into how other scholars have perceived Ion Antonescu. The study is first concerned with identifying the main characteristics of realism and idealism, afterwards it analyses Ion Antonescu’s political ideas as selected from his published volumes, correspondence, political statements and actions. The conclusion shows how despite the existence of serious examples where Ion Antonescu displays an idealist ideology (most of these are found in the pre-1939 period), the circumstances of his political activity have led to this aspect of his political thinking being replaced with realism.

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