Beyond Unconditional Surrender: Romania’s Diplomatic Campaign for a Conditional Armistice (1942–1944)

Romania’s exit from World War II on 23 August 1944 came after more than two years of complex diplomatic negotiations for an unconditional armistice. This article examines Romania’s diplomatic efforts undertaken between 1942 and 1944, highlighting the challenging conditions imposed by the Allies and the internal political dynamics. Romanian leaders like Mihai Antonescu and Iuliu Maniu endeavored to secure favorable terms to safeguard national interests despite significant hurdles. Their efforts, influenced by the strategic interests of the Allied powers and the changing military landscape, ultimately led to Romania’s shift from the Axis to the Allied side, with profound postwar consequences.