In addition to the two variables: generalized corruption and the simulation of mechanisms of democratic control, I would like to add another contextual variable: the existence of a false vision of science and culture, which I will call “academic-cult“.

The latest scandals related to the plagiarism of Minister Bode, the suspension of the analysis of the accusations of plagiarism brought against Prime Minister Chuke due to the complicity of the Ministry of Education, the numerous plagiarisms in the field of military sciences proven by the decisions of the CNATDCU, the delay in the investigation of the embezzlement case of the journalist Emilia Sherkan shows about the serious situation in the election of elites and the functioning of democracy in Romania. The recent MApN mask procurement scandal and ROMARM director Gabriel Tsutsu’s career full of courses and diplomas from national security colleges only brings new evidence of the power networks emerging in these colleges. However, the most serious, it seems to me, is connected with the development of a rotten management infrastructure with a network of mafia decision-makers. Thus, the constitutional principle “No one is above the law” (Article 16, Part 2 of the Constitution) loses its meaning.

In previous articles, I explained the main reasons for this phenomenon: general corruption and the lack of functional mechanisms of democratic control. The level of corruption is professionally analyzed by institutions such as Transparency International, but the citizen feels it on his own skin every day. Let’s recall the case of the Tate brothers, who explained that they settled in Romania because (here) “…corruption is available to everyone.” Or the cry of former MP Nikolitsia, who said: “No, we support corruption because it made us human!”.

I wrote about the lack of functional mechanisms of civil democratic control both in scientific articles and in other positions (here or here). The combination of civil culture of tolerance for corruption and negative selection of elites represents a Gordian knot in understanding this situation.

The question arises: how is this negative selection of elites possible? In addition to the two variables: generalized corruption and the simulation of democratic control mechanisms, I would like to add another contextual variable: the existence of a false vision of science and culture, which I will call “academic-cult“.

I coined this term by analogy with the term used to describe the cultural current that accompanied the Sovietization of Romania. proletultism[1]. If in the 1950s the USSR managed to impose a ruling class and a special political culture overnight in a country with several hundred communists, why wouldn’t it be possible to create a new post-communist “elite” after 1990?

But these elites had to be educated and legitimized. Since joining NATO required civil servants of the national security system to understand defense policy as well as the mechanisms of civilian democratic control, the College of National Defense was established under MApN, a college that later multiplied into SRI and MAI. It is known that in order to take a leadership position in the ministry, you need to be a graduate of such an institution.[2]. Eventually, doctorates in military science, public policy, and national security became easy, so many “young wolves” came here to get their degrees. These institutions took on the role of the Stefan Georgiou Academy, which made rectors, ministers and even prime ministers doctoral students in networks like the one created by Gabriel Oprea[3]. I am not saying that all graduates of these academies or colleges are imposters, only the “chosen ones”. The method of selection is still a subject of research.

On the other hand, there was also a favorable perception of the term “academy”. All military schools immediately became academies, and the Romanian Academy also expanded, and today there are 6 branch academies, including the Academy of National Security Sciences. The term “academy” became such a beloved brand that football schools became academies (Gheorghe Hagi” Academy or Academica Clinceni) and criminals also founded an academy for Romanian criminals.

Without going into the issue of epistemology, we note that the ideas of some military institutions about “military science” were at the basis of these false visions. In most NATO countries, military education and training focuses on the development of combat or leadership skills, and training stops at the master’s level and specialized courses (vocational education). Yes, in the USA scientific doctorates in civilian universities are encouraged, the famous case of General Petraeus, who did a very good doctorate in counterinsurgency at Princeton University. In our country, not only the number of doctors of military sciences is immortalized and develops in geometric progression, but there is even an emblem for merit called “Military Science”. For example, the “Military Science” emblem of the third degree is awarded to military majors and sergeants who do not even have a higher education.

Therefore, I tried to explain the fact that, in addition to corruption and the poor functioning of some mechanisms of civilian democratic control, it is necessary to change both the paradigm of military education and the legislation that equates the doctoral degree with a general examination. In the future, rather professional doctorates should be awarded, without limiting the right of the military to a scientific doctorate. This does not mean that doctoral studies in civilian universities are of the “Snow White” type, but there is a chance for fair grades, without the intervention of occult forces. Those wishing to obtain a doctorate degree can enter civilian universities by signing a GI Bill-type contract.

There are other institutions to investigate allegations of past plagiarism or the creation of criminal gangs, which are now hampered by the so-called “elite” of impostors. A fact that proves that Romania is not yet a consolidated democracy, but a managed democracy. We are witnessing a game of chess given to institutions authorized by law to deal with this plagiarism (such as CNATDCU) or investigative journalists, but the chess game is not over. Read the entire article on Contributors.ro