RATIONAL CHOICE AND ERRORS IN DECISION-MAKING: UKRAINE, GAZA, NAGORNO-KARABAKH.
Iulian CHIFU | The “Carol I” National Defence University, The National University of Political Studies and Public Administration
Bucharest/ Romania
Doi: http://doi.org/10.25019/europolity.2026.20.1.1
Abstract
One of the big debates in global security choices is related to the rational choice of the decision-makers. Is there a fact? Is it happening in majority of cases? We choose to analyze the rational or non-rational (emotional, political driven, individual options – sic volo) bases of the crisis decision-making in three cases: the full-scale high intensity long war in Ukraine, the Hamas attack on 7-th of October and the war in Gaza as well as the Nagorno Karabakh 44 days war. We are also looking at errors, biases, subjectivism in the evaluation that led to the crisis as well as in managing the crisis itself. The EU-NATO reactions on the three crises are also part of our study as well as the dividing lines that blocked a common approach to those events. The conclusion is that we are foreseeing more of the emotions, individual or political rational than errors in the reasoning and judgement of positions adopted by the international actors and that all are rather rational in those cases even though the arguments and logic is different and sometimes twisted comparing to the utilitarian or effectiveness required in the common-sense general logic.
Keywords
Bias; effective decision-making; emotions; logic; rational choice; utilitarian.
IDENTITY CHALLENGES OF THE INTEGRATION PROCESS OF BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA. THE CASE OF THE REPUBLIKA SRPSKA.
Ramona GOGA | Babeș-Bolyai University, Faculty of European Studies
Cluj Napoca/Romania
Mircea BRIE | University of Oradea, Department of International Relations and European Studies
Oradea/Romania
Doi: http://doi.org/10.25019/europolity.2026.20.1.2
Abstract
This article explores how identity-based political narratives influence the integration process of Bosnia and Herzegovina at the internal, regional, and European levels. It focuses in particular on the role of Republika Srpska as a key political actor promoting an autonomy-oriented agenda that challenges state-level cohesion. Methodologically, the study employs a mixed approach, combining qualitative analysis of political discourse and institutional arrangements with quantitative data from regional public opinion surveys. It examines how identity narratives promoted by political elites influence public attitudes and institutional responses to integration initiatives. The findings demonstrate that integration in Bosnia and Herzegovina is structured by competing sources of political legitimacy. Identity-based narratives reinforce entity-level loyalties and contribute to divergent perceptions of integration across political and territorial lines. In particular, the case of Republika Srpska illustrates how alternative geopolitical orientations and autonomy claims shape resistance to integration processes perceived as centralising. The article argues that integration outcomes in deeply divided post-conflict societies depend on the interaction between institutional frameworks and identity-based political projects, rather than on institutional capacity or external incentives alone.
Keywords
Bosnia and Herzegovina; ethnicity; identity; integration; religion; Republika Srpska.
HUNGARIAN PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS 2026: AN IMMEDIATE GEOPOLITICAL AND ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
Bogdan MUNTEANU | Department of International Relations and European Integration, National University of Political Studies and Public Administration
Bucharest / Romania
Doi: http://doi.org/10.25019/europolity.2026.20.1.3
Abstract
On April 12, 2026, Hungary organized the Parliamentary Elections and, on April 19, 2026, the national electoral office announced the completion of counting and the definitive electoral results. This paper assesses the likely scenario of progress of new Hungarian government and the challenges ahead for the national economic outlook and foreign affairs stances. The research explores the Hungarian electoral system and is case-studying the pre-elections campaign, the economic and political situation, as well as Hungary’s diplomatic perspectives, with a view to potential future implications of the Hungarian parliamentary elections outcome. The results of this current brief research present significance for the European politics and for the Hungarian economy because the international investors may accelerate capital flows in Hungary, in anticipation of a possible improvement in Hungarian government relations with the European Union. A potential normalization of relations between European Union and Hungary could lead to the unblocking of European funds for Hungary, a European shift in Hungarian foreign policy towards EU stance alignment and an economic upswing in direct investments and foreign capital, with potential positive effects for the structural imbalances of Hungary’s economy.
Keywords
Hungary elections, d’Hondt method, Venice Commission, illiberal democracy, Tisza, Fidesz.
FROM SOVIET PROPAGANDA TO DIGITAL DISINFORMATION: A HYBRID WAR ANALYSIS FROM A CONSTRUCTIVIST PERSPECTIVE
Mihaela Daciana NATEA | “George Emil Palade”University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Sciences and Technology of Târgu-Mureș
Târgu-Mureș /Romania
Veronica ZAHARAGIU | “George Emil Palade” University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Sciences and Technology of Târgu-Mureș
Târgu-Mureș / Romania
Doi: http://doi.org/10.25019/europolity.2026.20.1.4
Abstract
Where does online disinformation and propaganda stem from? Why is it continuously developing? Why is Russian online disinformation the most famous, or, moreover, infamous form of disinformation in use today? Is there a link between the soviet propaganda and nowadays online Russian disinformation? Why does it play such a key role to Russia? Why does it play such a key role for western societies? The present article proposes answers to these questions, in order to advance the understanding of the disinformation phenomenon. The authors aim to shape a novel framework for the understanding of disinformation based on tow pillars: as applied to Russian disinformation, seen in its historical development from Prolekult and social realist propaganda to its present forms, and integrated in the IR theories namely constructivism. Our initial hypothesis was that constructivism appears to be closer to explain the disinformation phenomenon, i.e., the narrative as a form of perception management for renegotiating norms and values and national identity while using the collective mentality developed during communism in Central and Easter European states. Juxtaposing this premise to the present geo-political context reveal that super-powers are not gone, nor dormant, but are very active, using a political double-talk, with a covert neorealism in the agendas, power struggles, forging of state narratives as a action or as a reaction, and an overt constructivism in their foreign policies.
Keywords
Civil society; constructivism; disinformation, hybrid threats; narratives; propaganda.
POWER TRANSITION FROM THE UNITED STATES TO CHINA AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR GLOBAL GOVERNANCE
Giullia-Elena NEAGU | National University of Political Studies and Public Administration
Bucharest/ Romania
Doi: http://doi.org/10.25019/europolity.2026.20.1.5
Abstract
Since the 2008 global financial crisis, Washington’s dominance has shown signs of decline. However, Beijing has been actively engaging in reshaping the global order to serve its national interests and strategic ambitions. Thus, the paper explores how China’s rise challenges to displace the United States as the world hegemon through the lens of power transition theory. The aim of the paper is to analyze how Washington established itself as the global leader, focusing on the financial and economic sectors, while presenting the actions undertaken by China to challenge its dominance. In this context, the theory of complex interdependence offers a complementary understanding of the Sino-American ties, underscoring the economic interconnectivity between the two states. Regarding the results, the paper aims to demonstrate that China’s rise challenges the United States’ hegemony and could lead to a peaceful power transition, given their deeply interconnected economies. With respect to the methodology, the paper employs a qualitative research design, using literature review as a secondary research method. The conclusion summarizes all the main points discussed throughout the paper, emphasizing the implications of Beijing’s rise on U.S. hegemony amid economic interdependence.
Keywords
China’s rise; complex interdependence; global financial crisis; power transition; U.S. hegemony.
HOUSING BEYOND COMPETENCE: POLITICAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND MULTI-LEVEL GOVERNANCE IN THE EU HOUSING AGENDA
Marta PASCAL | “Pompeu Fabra” University
Barcelona/ Spain
Doi: http://doi.org/10.25019/europolity.2026.20.1.6
Abstract
This article argues that, despite the absence of formal competence, a gradual Europeanisation of housing policy is taking place. Drawing on comparative Eurostat housing data (Eurostat 2025a) and a cross-national analysis of housing systems in Europe, the study examines how housing affordability trends differ across welfare regimes and policy frameworks. Particular attention is paid to the diversity of national housing models, including social housing systems in countries such as Austria and the Netherlands, market-oriented systems in liberal regimes, and ownership-dominated systems in Southern and Eastern Europe. The article also analyses the emerging role of European institutions and urban actors in shaping a new housing agenda. Recent initiatives by the European Commission, the European Parliament and the European Investment Bank, alongside bottom-up mobilisation from major European cities through networks such as the Mayors for Housing Alliance, illustrate how housing has moved onto the European political agenda. The findings suggest that housing policy is increasingly being shaped through multi-level governance mechanisms, financial instruments and policy coordination rather than through direct legislative authority. In this context, housing may represent a new frontier for the development of the European social dimension.
Keywords
Europeanisation; European Union; housing affordability; housing policy; housing financialisation; multi-level governance.
BOOK REVIEW
Magno, Francesco. 2023. Dagli imperi alla nazione: eredità giuridiche asburgiche e zariste nella Grande Romania, 1918-1927/ From empires to nation: Habsburg and Tsarist legal legacies in Greater Romania. Viella Publishing House, Rome. ISBN 9-79-12-5469-484-8, 227 pages.
Bogdan BERCEANU | Faculty of Public Administration, National University of Political Studies and Public Administration
Bucharest/ Romania
Doi: http://doi.org/10.25019/europolity.2026.20.1.7
BOOK REVIEW
Butnaru-Troncotă, Miruna, Özçelik, Ali Onur, Cucută, Radu. 2024. Reconfiguring EU Peripheries. Political Elites, Contestation, and Geopolitical Shifts. Helsinki University Press. DOI: 10.33134/pro-et-contra-3
Mihai ZODIAN | Centre for Defence and Security Strategic Studies, National Defense University” Carol I”
Bucharest/ Romania
Doi: http://doi.org/10.25019/europolity.2026.20.1.8
