In Europe's Shadow

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From bestselling author Robert D. Kaplan, a prominent global thinker, comes a compelling exploration of Romania, a pivotal yet often overlooked European country. Kaplan's journey began in the 1970s when he first visited Romania, then a bleak Communist state. This experience sparked a lifelong fascination with a nation crucial to understanding Russia's current threats to Europe. The narrative interweaves memoir, travelogue, journalism, and history, chronicling Kaplan's evolution as a journalist alongside Romania's own struggles. Through Romania's story, Kaplan delves into broader themes of geography, imperialism, and the impact of historical events like the Cold War and the Holocaust. He paints a vivid picture of the country, from the grim realities of life under Nicolae Ceaușescu to the cultural richness of Transylvania. His reflections engage with historical thinkers and contemporary Romanians—philosophers, priests, and politicians—who strive to uphold humanism amid a resurgent Russia. Returning to Romania in 2013 and 2014, Kaplan observes a transformed landscape, now a destination shaped by Western influences while still grappling with its past. This work serves as an essential lens through which to comprehend the ongoing crisis involving Russia and the complexities within Europe itself.