The first account of the secret police in Eastern Europe and after 1989, this book uses a wide range of sources, including archives, to identify what has and has not changed since the end of communism. After explaining the structure and workings of two of the area's most feared services, Czechoslovakia's StB and Romania's Securitate, the authors details the creation of new security intelligence institutions, the development of contacts with the West, and forms of democratic control.
Challenging the idealized perception of Romania's interwar period, this study presents a critical analysis that contrasts it with the subsequent decades of Communist oppression. It delves into the complexities and nuances of the era, revealing a more intricate historical narrative that goes beyond simplistic comparisons. By examining various social, political, and cultural aspects, the book encourages readers to reconsider the legacy of this pivotal time in Romanian history.
An in-depth exploration of Romania's Communist era, this analytical monograph fills a significant gap in historical literature, offering insights into the regime's impact and legacy. It examines the political, social, and economic dimensions of life under Nicolae Ceaüescu, providing a critical perspective on a tumultuous period that shaped modern Romania. With a focus on the lasting effects of Communist rule, the book serves as a vital resource for understanding the complexities of Romanian history and its ongoing implications.
The book explores the covert operations conducted by the British Special Operations Executive (SOE) and MI6 in Romania during World War II. It highlights the strategic importance of Romania and the challenges posed by German influence in the region. As Britain sought to counteract Germany's dominance in Southeast Europe, the focus shifted to military subversion and efforts to undermine Romania's alliance with the Third Reich. This comprehensive analysis provides insights into the complexities of British-Romanian relations amid the war's geopolitical landscape.
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Paints a portrait of Romania under Communist dictatorship, from political twists and turns to daily life and daring dissent in an unfree state.The imposition of Communist ideology was a misfortune for millions in Eastern Europe, but never for Dennis Deletant. Instead, it drew him to Romania. The renowned historian’s association with the country and its people dates back to 1965, when he first visited. Since then, Romania has made Dennis appreciate the value of shrewd dissimulation, in the face of the state’s gross intrusion in the life of the individual. This vivid memoir charts his first-hand experience of the Communist era, coloured by the early 1970s surveillance of his future wife Andrea; his contacts with dissidents; and his articles and BBC World Service broadcasts, which led to his being declared persona non grata in 1988.In Search of Romania also considers how life went on under dictatorship, even if it was largely mapped out by the regime. How did individual citizens negotiate the challenges placed in their path? How important was the political police, the Securitate, in maintaining compliance? How did dissent towards the regime manifest? How did all this affect the moral compass of the individual? Why did utopia descend into dystopia under Ceaușescu? And how has his legacy influenced the difficult transition to democracy since the collapse of Communism?
