CRISIS REPATRIATION AND INFORMATION WARFARE: IS THE ROMANIAN STATE PREPARED FOR EXCEPTIONAL SECURITY SITUATIONS?
CRISIS REPATRIATION AND INFORMATION WARFARE: IS THE ROMANIAN STATE PREPARED FOR EXCEPTIONAL SECURITY SITUATIONS?

Summary/Abstract: This article explores whether the Romanian state is adequately prepared to respond to exceptional security situations involving the repatriation of its citizens from conflict-affected areas. The analysis focuses on two recent cases: the evacuation of Romanian private contractors from the Democratic Republic of Congo, following the rapid advance of the M23 rebel group in Goma, and the repatriation of Romanian civilians from the Middle East in a context of increasing regional instability. While both operations highlight a certain level of institutional capability, they also reveal significant vulnerabilities, particularly in terms of coordination, communication, and political interference. In the case of the Congo mission, public narratives labelling legally contracted personnel as “mercenaries” raise questions about information management and media influence. Similarly, controversies surrounding evacuation decisions in the Middle East case suggest the presence of political pressure affecting operational priorities. Using a qualitative approach based on case study analysis, the article argues that although Romania possesses functional mechanisms for crisis response, these are often undermined by inconsistent strategic communication and politicization. The study contributes to ongoing debates on hybrid threats and emphasizes the need for more resilient and depoliticized crisis management frameworks.

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