PurposeIn its modernization and European integration effort, from 1859 to the present, Romania went through a series of transitional periods. The purpose of this paper is to explore the issues involved in Romania fighting to regain its identity or in forging a new one.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents a cogent but thorough history and examines the relationship of Romania moving into the future.FindingsEurope itself struggles. Identity does not mean “a difference which separates.” The challenge in Europe now is to find and foster “the difference which unifies.” Europe seems to be an “island of necessary stability” for Romania. Europe of the future can be an area of balance and Romania can become a region of balance within the new European Union.Originality/valueThe paper presents an overview of Romania and the Western World from the 1800s.

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