This report, published by the academic think-tank Center for Civic Participation and Democracy (CPD), analyzes the key developments that have shaped NATO-related discourse in Romanian digital media in the aftermath of President Trump’s second inauguration. Drawing on NewsVibe data, the report underscores how recent geopolitical events and public statements have reignited debate around NATO, reflecting deepening uncertainty over the alliance’s future and the United States’ strategic commitment.
The analysis points to a noticeable shift in the main actors associated with NATO discussions. While traditional narratives continue to center on Ukraine, Russia, and Donald Trump, new patterns are emerging. Figures linked to the Trump administration—such as Pete Hegseth and JD Vance—are gaining visibility, particularly following their interventions at the Munich Security Conference. Saudi Arabia also surfaces as a significant player due to its involvement in hosting peace talks related to Ukraine. At the national level, DIICOT enters the conversation after launching a treason investigation against a Romanian group promoting, among other things, the idea of Romania’s withdrawal from NATO.
The analysis highlights three key moments that triggered noticeable spikes in online mentions of NATO:
The overarching trend suggests increasing debates around NATO’s future, fueled by discussions about defense spending and speculations about potential geopolitical realignments. As discussions evolve, the alliance’s stability remains a critical issue shaping global security narratives.
Disclaimer: The insights and graphs quoted above were extracted from a report written by the CPD team using NewsVibe data. The report can be accessed at civicparticipation.ro.
