Description

This book looks at how Romania changed after 1989. It spans the next three decades. It sees postcommunism, the time after communist rule, as a distinct age of change. In Liliana Corobca’s view, two events mark its end. These are the pandemic and Russia’s attack on Ukraine. The book offers studies of history for readers seeking to grasp this era. It notes that those who saw or took part in events bring their own views.

The 48 writers come from Romania and abroad. Some are experts in their fields. Others teach or do research at universities. They study politics, society, culture and daily life. They look at state symbols, schools and the economy. They also cover faith and the state’s spy services. Other chapters deal with ties to other lands. They also study works of writing, music, theatre and film.

More than half the topics build on Panorama comunismului în România. The focus shifts to suit the new age. Studies of votes for president and political parties take the place of earlier themes. Those dealt with Communist Party rule and its leaders. Other old themes include collectivisation, when farms came under group control. They also include forced moves, or deportations, and dissent. New themes deal with life after communist rule. These include civic groups and the University Square movement. They also cover Romania’s form of capitalism. Further studies look at people’s moves from place to place. They cover digital culture and work to protect the natural world, too.

Scholars often study this age in separate parts. This book joins these fields to give a broad view.