Eurasianism comes to Romania

• Romania’s front-runner for President is ideologically aligned with Russian Eurasianism. That, together with Trump’s chaotic foreign policy and unhappiness with NATO, should be a wake up call for Europe.
• Since 2014, the best way to understand Putin’s regime’s moves to consolidate power at home and pursue an aggressive foreign policy based on balancing power with NATO is through the lens of Eurasianism.
• It is most famously proposed by Aleksandr Dugin, an ideologue whose brand of Eurasianism he himself describes as ‘National-Bolshevism’, a conservative ideology neither communist nor nationalist.
• Eurasianists emphasize culture and identity when explaining why international actors act the way they do. Rationality as defined by Western thought is insufficient and needs to be complemented by references to cultural and ethnic factors – social feelings, national pride, national memory etc.
• In his vision, a Eurasian empire, or strategic bloc, would span from Lisbon to Tokyo, with Russia (‘the Heartland’) a central and dominant element both in terms of power and geography. The creation of such a bloc would involve a “redivision of ‘spheres of influence’ between Russia and Germany in Eastern Europe, the ‘decomposition’ of Ukraine, and the creation of a Balkan Federation”. Implied in this arrangement is the ousting of American influence in Europe and the resurgence of Germany as a major geopolitical actor.
• The goal of creating the Eurasian Empire is to be pursued using the principle of the common enemy: “A negation of Atlanticism, a repudiation of the strategic control of the United States, and the rejection of the supremacy of economic, liberal market values – this represents the common civilizational basis, the common impulse which will prepare the way for a strong political and strategic union.”

Is Georgescu a Eurasianist?

• No, but his views align neatly. 
• They are a mix of nationalism and communism, ultra-orthodox and ultra-conservative, rooted in early 20th century Romanian Iron Guard ideas. He has described himself as sent by God on a divine mission to save the country.
• He has expressed disdain for political pluralism and supports centralisation of power.
• He sees Romania as being exploited by Western countries and private companies.
• He has said Ukraine is an ‘artificial country’ without the right to exist.
• He has repeatedly criticised Romania’s membership of the EU and NATO (although later backtracked to not risk alienating potential voters).
• He has said Romania would benefit from ‘Russian wisdom’.

What does Dugin think of Georgescu?

• “Călin Georgescu is a remarkable politician. He cannot be called pro-Russian, but he is similar to Orban. He is against globalism, against the liberal agenda, he is a Romanian patriot, convinced orthodox, traditionalist, conservative. It is much easier to deal with such a politician than with anyone else for Russia"
• "Romanians reject the globalist supporters who transform Romania, an Orthodox country, into a copy of globalist Europe. Călin Georgescu's resistance is the voice of the people, without parties or political movements behind it. He only tells the truth. "The answer is simple," he says, "let's get out of this situation." The Romanians say: "Help us out of here, otherwise we will once again find ourselves in a historic stalemate." It is a very interesting signal for all. He is an excellent candidate. He is useful for us."

What does this mean?

• Romania just voted in a new Parliament that is 70% pro-EU. The likelihood of the country choosing to leave the EU in the short to medium term is low.
• However, electing Georgescu as President introduces a new and distinct vulnerability for NATO. The President holds foreign policy and defence powers, and Georgescu would suspend all aid to Ukraine.
• A Georgescu presidency together with a coordinated far-right in parliament could slow foreign investment and exacerbate economic problems. Trust in domestic and international institutions will continue to be eroded and far right support will grow.