THE IDENTITY PERSPECTIVE WITHIN THE INTERCULTURAL RELATIONSHIPS ESTABLISHED IN THEATERS OF OPERATIONS

Abstract

Identity, a self-defining feature in relation with others, represents one of the standpoints when studying intercultural relationships within the theatres of operations. Military personnel participating in different missions in these theatres are characterized by markers of ascribed identity. The Romanian military personnel participating in international missions cannot be only characterized by their ethnic identity as long as one’s identity is multiple and reflects the relationship(s) established with various social and professional groups. Unfortunately, despite the depreciation of the ascribed identity role in comparison with the optional identity role, transnational organizations do not represent a landmark for the identity of Romanians in general, and of Romanian military, in particular. Moreover, the optional identity contributes to alienation and self-closing, and not to the strengthening of relations with the military group assumed to be the group of belonging.

Keywords

• cultures
• identity
• intercultural relationships
• theatres of operations
• group