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Unlearned Lessons of the 1918 Unifications: Historians Invite Moldovans to National Identity Debates

November 28, 2025
warHial Published by Iulita Onica 5 months ago

As Moldova approaches the 107th anniversary of the Great National Assembly of Alba Iulia, held on December 1st, 1918, the Association of Historians of the Republic of Moldova “Alexandru Moșanu”, in partnership with the National Library, is calling citizens to an extensive public debate on the historical meaning and contemporary relevance of the Romanian unifications of 1918.

The roundtable discussion, titled “Our Arrears: The Unlearned Lessons of the Romanian Unifications of 1918”, will take place on 30 November 2025 at 11:00, in Reading Hall No. 1 of the National Library in Chișinău.

Organizers say the event addresses a crucial need: a deeper, scientifically grounded understanding of 1918, not merely as a commemorative date, but as a foundation for national consciousness and democratic resilience.

A Critical Historical Examination Presented by Leading Experts

The event will include the launch of the analytical report “History – Only a School Subject or a Guide for Life?”, authored by political analyst and historian Anatol Țăranu, who discusses the importance of historical knowledge for civic maturity and societal cohesion.

Among the prominent specialists participating in the debate are:

  • Anatol Petrencu, professor, president of the Association of Historians

  • Alexandru Arseni, PhD habil., USM

  • Ion Hadârcă, writer, corresponding member of the Academy

  • Alecu Reniță, journalist, director of "NATURA" magazine

  • Alexandru Țănase, legal expert, former Constitutional Court president

  • Ion Negrei, historian

  • Fr. Viorel Cojocaru, PhD in philosophy

  • Valentin Dolganiuc, National Reunification Platform

  • Alina Felea, PhD habil., Institute of History

  • Adrian Dolghi, National Museum of Ethnography

  • Anatol Povestca, National Museum of History

Moderators: Anatol Petrencu and Ion Negrei.

Why 1918 Still Matters: Lessons Not Yet Learned

Although 1918 is often celebrated as a moment of triumph, historians argue that many of its lessons remain insufficiently internalized in today’s Republic of Moldova. These include:

  • the need for unity among political elites;

  • resistance to foreign manipulation and propaganda;

  • the importance of historically informed civic education;

  • the ability to create national consensus during critical moments.

Speakers will emphasize that historical memory is not merely about the past. It is a strategic resource for navigating present dilemmas: identity, geopolitics, Moldova’s European future, and the restoration of historical truth.

An Open Invitation to Citizens

The organizers encourage participation from students, teachers, researchers, journalists, public servants, and anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of Romania’s nation-building processes.

The debate will end with a live Q&A session, giving participants the opportunity to articulate concerns and discuss solutions with top historians.

The event aims to answer essential questions:
What does Romanian identity mean in today’s Moldova? What remains unfulfilled from the aspirations of 1918? How can society strengthen its civic foundations to meet future challenges?

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