Diversity in the Warsaw Pact : Bulgarian and Romanian security perceptions

Abstract

The security perceptions and defense policies of Bulgaria and Romania
are not similar. Différences in historical expériences, national culture, and géographie location hâve resulted in different choices and priorities. Historical
affinity with the Soviet Union and common borders with two NATO
countries (Greece and Turkey) hâve shaped the Bulgárián policy, whereas
a Latin héritage and a more “sheltered” géographie position hâve marked
the Románián attitude.
Düring the last twenty years the two countries hâve followed different
roads to security, and this diversity has grown stronger. In assessing the
prospects for stability in the Balkans, one may reasonably wonder whether
the present différences are likely to become more acute or to diminish.