Recourse to history in foreign policy and diplomacy

The round table “Recourse to history in foreign policy and diplomacy” highlighted the importance of knowing history to improve and strengthen political-diplomatic relations. Each guest offered a unique perspective on the topic, framing the discussion around the essentiality of knowing the multiple facets of history, as this can contribute to a deeper understanding of international relations, offering a useful vision of the challenges the international community is facing.

In the current international context under the imperative of unpredictability and instability, turning to history is necessary to penetrate the depth of the roots that determined the current events and which, unfortunately, shows the limits of international law in the management of geo-political conflicts.

Thus, it was emphasized that often history provides a lesson that can only be understood in retrospect. This means that the relevance of the current action of Romanian diplomacy is based on the mastery of the relevant historical aspects to consolidate a diplomatic dialogue centred on common principles and values. To strengthen foreign policy relations, while promoting strict respect for the international rule-based order, increasing the ability to adapt, and manage risks, but also to conduct diplomatic relations.

The event was moderated by Liliana Popescu (general director of RDI) and enjoyed the lectures given by Doru Costea (lawyer), Ruxandra Ivan (political scientist, University of Bucharest), Victor Boștinaru (president of the Western Balkan Forum), Silvana Rachieru (historian, The University of Bucharest).