Rector of Babes Bolyai University (UBB) in Cluj-Napoca, Professor Dr. Daniel David, told Agerpres that the war started by Russia in Ukraine two years ago has polarized Romanians.

“There is polarization, meaning empathy/compassion, but also negative attitudes. Like our psychocultural profile: first, fear and rebellion on a large scale, transposed into a broader positive attitude towards Ukraine, then polarization, all within the framework of inconsistency of attitude towards the population level. Ordinary people do not think historically, perhaps they use history as they understand it, to justify some everyday decisions after the fact. Simply put, relations with Ukraine are now perceived in a polarized way, exaggerating both the negative and the positive, and with Moldova often exaggerating the positive, where I am concerned about our inconsistency and inattention to realism,” said Daniel David.

He added that Romanians’ fears are varied but often unrealistic, reinforced by conspiracy theories.

“Fears are varied but often unrealistic, fueled by conspiracy theories and ‘fake news.’ You can fight them by turning only to reliable and confirmed sources of information, and here I mean “quality” mass media and/or authorized institutions”, – believes the rector of UBB.

According to him, although Romanian solidarity has decreased, Romania in some aspects remains more attractive to Ukrainians, even than some Western countries.

“Culturally, probably yes. But Ukrainians prefer hope for the future through economic well-being, so the West is more attractive. And our diaspora is mainly in the West, not in the East!” said Daniel David.

On the other hand, the rector of UBB believes that the interest of the population, not only Romanians, in the war in Ukraine has decreased over time.

“This is not only the case of Romania, it is the case of Europe and the whole world. And democracies are vulnerable to this phenomenon, because the government pays close attention to the demands of the population, and if the population surrenders, they surrender too. In an autocracy, the government can override the will of the people (at least for a while and/or with perceived risk),” said Daniel David.