Journal History

The inaugural issue of The Bulletin of "Carol I" National Defence University was released in April-May 1937, following the endorsement and initiative of Great General Staff no. 2872/23 January 1937. This initial edition held significant importance, as it was also cited in the Rules and Regulations of the Superior War School for that year. Among the numerous military publications during the interwar period, including "The National Military Museum Bulletin" (1937-1942) edited by the National Military Museum in Bucharest, "The Soldier Guide" (1937-1939) published in Bucharest by the Great General Staff, and "The Bulletin of Military Training and Physical Education" (1926-1944) in Bucharest, The Bulletin stands out as the oldest publication, with 80 years of tradition and value.

The significance of this publication not only stems from its long-standing presence but also from its consistent quality as a platform for expressing the ideas of Romania's most important military higher education institutions. The inception of the "Superior War School Bulletin" (the publication's initial title) was closely linked to the institution's restructuring. This took place at the same premises where its publishing board is presently located, a building established in 1937 by King Carol II and inaugurated in 1939 to mark the 50th anniversary of the "Superior School of War" (in Romanian, Şcoala Superioară de Războiu, formerly known as "Şcoala Superioară de Resbel," established by Royal High Decree No. 2073, issued by King Carol I on 8th August 1889).The publication of the Bulletin was considered one of the Superior War School's most important objectives in disseminating military knowledge within the army. In this regard, the director at the time, General Paul Adrian Teodorescu, stated: "By this act, we embark on the challenging mission we are eager to undertake in service of the institution."

The outbreak of the Second World War, followed by King Carol II's abdication on 6th September 1940 and the establishment of the Antonescu regime until August 1944, resulted in the temporary suspension of the Bulletin. The irregular publication schedule of the early years, which was definitively halted during the war, resumed in 1945. Each issue covered diverse topics, with explanations for interruptions detailed in an extensive "Foreword" spanning five editorial pages. These interruptions were necessary to acquaint the army with the new military doctrine, given the altered political landscape of Romania. The topics discussed highlighted issues in communicating ground, tactical, and combat reconnaissance information, offering opportunities for taking initiative and dominating opponents in defence situations. In 1956, it was decided that the "Military General Bulletin" would be issued quarterly, a practice that continues to the present day.

The name of the publication has changed over time in line with the official names of the institution. In 1991, it was renamed "Bulletin of the Academy of High Military Studies," then in 2003, it became the "National Defence University Bulletin," and since 2005, it has been known as "The Bulletin of Carol I National Defence University." These continuous changes in Romania's higher military education landscape, particularly in information dissemination, have impacted communication methods and knowledge utilization.

The political, economic, and social transformations over the years have also significantly influenced how military specialists, engaged in the educational process, are informed. Presently, The Bulletin of “Carol I” National Defence University serves as a platform for debate and analysis for specialists with academic and professional backgrounds. The journal welcomes contributions from educators, researchers, doctoral and postdoctoral students, military and civilian personnel, as well as institutions within the defence, public order, and national security sectors.

Since 2011, The Bulletin of "Carol I" National Defence University has been recognized as a prestigious publication in the field of "Military Sciences, Intelligence, and Public Order" by the National Council for Attesting Titles, Diplomas and Certificates, and indexed in international databases. The features required for high-standard performance, aimed at adapting rapidly to organizational changes, are also present in the online version of the journal. Elements such as flexibility, creativity, teamwork, collaboration, capacity for synthesis, and intellectual curiosity justify, through their quality, the significant cultural experience of the past 80 years. All these interconnected aspects have contributed to the promotion of the institution's image in the academic environment, reinforcing, if necessary, the motto established by King Carol I:

LABOR IMPROBUS OMNIA VINCIT! (Labour conquers all)