Protracted Transition: Civilian Control over the Military and Intelligence in Romania

This chapter provides a comprehensive analysis of the structural changes that have affected civil-military relations in Romania over the past thirty-five years, with a particular focus on intelligence agencies. It explores the transition from a ‘subjective’ form of civilian control of the military and intelligence under the communist regime to a more Western-style ‘objective’ control after the regime change of 1989. The chapter identifies three distinct periods in the transition process, highlighting the obstacles encountered during each period and their impact on the evolution of civil-military relations. Despite notable achievements in effecting democratization and establishing a legal framework for civilian oversight over the military and intelligence, effective civilian control remains elusive. Recent scandals raise concerns about future civil-military relations in Romania.