# **Diplomatic Strategy of Ionel Brătianu during World War I: Neutrality and Romania’s Entry into the Conflict**
Between 1914 and 1916, Romania maintained an officially neutral stance regarding World War I. Nevertheless, the government led by Ionel Brătianu was not idle; it engaged in an extensive strategy of negotiation and diversion to secure the most favorable conditions for joining the war alongside the Entente. This tactic was among the most intricate political-diplomatic maneuvers in Romania’s history.
## **Neutrality Tactics and Negotiation with the Entente**
Amid the confrontation between the two military blocs – the Entente (France, Great Britain, and Russia) and the Central Powers (Germany, Austria-Hungary, and the Ottoman Empire) – Romania found itself in a challenging position. Although it had a treaty of alliance with Austria-Hungary dating back to 1883, Brătianu decided that Romania’s commitments did not compel the country to intervene in the war.
In the initial two years of the global conflict, Brătianu negotiated with both the Central Powers and the Entente, gradually leaning more towards the latter. The primary motivation was the territorial promise that the Entente offered Romania: the recognition of union with Transylvania, Banat, Crișana, and Maramureș, territories under Austro-Hungarian control.
Brătianu adopted a wait-and-see strategy, using the time to secure clear guarantees from the allies. Additionally, he simulated Romania’s indecision and gave the impression to the Central Powers that the country might maintain a neutral position or even consider joining them.
## **Diversion Tactics against the Central Powers**
Ionel Brătianu applied his diplomatic skills through a series of disinformation actions intended to mislead the Central Powers. Among the most ingenious methods was the recruitment of close associates from political and familial circles to play clearly defined roles within this strategy.
A notable example is his sister, **Sabina Cantacuzino**, who acted as a committed pro-German, maintaining close relations with Germany’s ambassador in Bucharest, **Hilmar von dem Bussche**. She helped create a false impression regarding Romania’s neutrality, allowing Brătianu to maintain a strategically waiting position.
Moreover, the Minister of Finance, **Emil Costinescu**, played a key role in shaping public opinion, gradually preparing it for a potential entry into conflict alongside the Entente. Through these actions, Brătianu successfully misled both the Central Powers and a segment of the Romanian political arena.
## **Romania’s Entry into the War: August 27, 1916**
After two years of negotiations and preparations, Romania entered the war against the Central Powers on **August 27, 1916**, attacking Austria-Hungary in Transylvania. The timing appeared favorable, as the Entente was making gains on the battlefront, and Brătianu believed Romania could achieve a strategic advantage.
The reaction from Germany and Austria-Hungary was one of total surprise. Even **Emperor Wilhelm II of Germany** reportedly declared: *“We have lost the war”* upon learning of Romania’s decision. However, the reality on the front was different. The Romanians quickly faced the organized retaliation of the Central Powers, and the entry into war became a daunting challenge.
