The Applicability of Hofstede's Theory in Romania: A Political Anthropology View

Abstract

Understanding Romania’s cultural specificities through Hofstede’s theory remains essential in 2025, in the context of European integration, accelerated institutional reforms during the past decade, and the geopolitical challenges generated by Russia’s war in Ukraine and shifting global power dynamics. The study examines the role of cultural dimensions in explaining why Romanian institutions and society respond uniquely to political and social transformations. The paper examines the applicability of Hofstede’s cultural framework to Romania between 2005 and 2025, to link cultural patterns to institutional practices and foreign policy orientations. A qualitative methodology was employed, combining document analysis of governmental reports and national strategies, content analysis of foreign policy statements, and a comparative assessment of statistical data (EUROSTAT, legislative output, Ministry of Foreign Affairs reports) over a twenty-year timeframe. Findings reveal a strong correlation between Romania’s very high uncertainty avoidance (90 points) and the frequent recourse to emergency ordinances, illustrating a cultural preference for short-term solutions over structural stability. The analysis also identifies a marked shift in Romania’s foreign policy orientation: from pragmatic cooperation with the Russian Federation (2005–2010) to a consistent pro-Western alignment and consolidation of NATO–EU commitments after 2014. Moreover, the high power distance dimension remains evident in limited civic participation in decision-making and hierarchical institutional practices. The study demonstrates the continued relevance of Hofstede’s framework for understanding Romania’s political anthropology. Its novelty lies in bridging cultural theory with empirical evidence from governance and diplomacy, providing both theoretical contributions and practical insights for policymakers designing culturally adaptive governance and foreign policy strategies.