Radu Georgescu: Can you elaborate on the inspiration behind your detailed exploration of Monaco’s history and present state? What motivated you to dive into the intricacies of this microstate?
Alexandru Cristian: I have to confess that I saw the Principality for the first time almost 30 years ago. What fascinated me was the elegance, cleanliness, and civilization in this state. I entered and studied its history because of the desire to explain to me the historical phenomena and the secret of the success of this state. Monaco has become a state that has adapted, an adapted power. I am currently writing an essay on the Principality of Monaco, Monaco’s destiny and geopolitics, which will hopefully be published this year, but also a novel with an action that takes place in Monaco.
R.G.: In your depiction of Monaco’s geopolitical status, you highlighted its transition from a tax haven to adapting to European market requirements. How did this transformation impact the principality, and what were the driving forces behind it?
A.C.: The princely family, Grimaldi, realized that the Principality’s path was alongside Europe and its values. Monaco has become a safe, stable state fighting tax fraud. I think the desire was the desire of the princely family but also the Monegasque leadership to build a new image for this nation, a postmodern state. Prince Albert II continues his father’s work and develops the Principality into an internationally relevant microstate.
R.G.: The expansion projects, such as Le Portier/Mareterra, are set to increase Monaco’s territory. How do you see these developments shaping the future of the principality, both in terms of infrastructure and lifestyle?
A.C.: The most important resource, for a state, is space, an expanding space will allow the Principality new directions of development. In history, the Principality was more extensive, but in 1861 it lost the localities of Roquebrune, Cap Martin and Menton. It is a unique achievement and I believe, I hope I am not mistaken, the first sovereign state to extend its territory over the sea, I mean an extension above ground not underground. After this expansion, I believe that the economy of the Monegasque state will develop and the quality of life will also increase, by relaxing the demographic pressure in a small space.
R.G.: Monaco is recognized for its commitment to environmental preservation and cybersecurity. Can you shed light on the specific initiatives and projects undertaken by the principality in these domains?
A.C.: The Principality of Monaco has become a leader in sustainable development but also in environmental protection. The Prince Albert II Foundation sponsors several such initiatives and has already had over 780 projects. As initiatives we mention Polar Initiative, Global Fund for coral Reefs, Because the Ocean, Regeneration and many others. The Principality of Monaco is also developing a rich urban agriculture, permaculture, rooftop gardens. For example Grimaldi Forum, the conference center was the first conference building in Europe to obtain the precious ISO 14001 environmental certification. Regarding cybersecuirty, the Principality has a national cyber security strategy but also a Monegasque Cyber Security Agency, established by a Sovereign Ordinance, no. 3505 of 23 December 2015
R.G.: Your narrative covers Monaco’s close relationship with the United States. Could you delve into the historical context and practical implications of this strong bond, including the permanent representation in Washington D.C.?
A.C.: This connection with the United States of America is longstanding. A symbolic moment in the history of Monaco, we can emphasize that the Monegasque state was liberated by the American troops from the German occupation. This year we celebrate 80 years since the liberation of the Principality, which became independent again on September 3, 1944.
The personality of Princess Grace of Monaco, the American actress Grace Patricia Kelly, is an icon for the Principality. Through her strength and talent, she promoted this Principality in all corners of the world. Her wedding, dubbed the Wedding of the Century, to Prince Rainier III was one of the first major televised events in world history.
R.G.: The principality is known for its involvement in global issues, being a member of the United Nations. How does Monaco contribute on the international stage, and what are some key areas where it actively participates?
A.C.: The Principality of Monaco is a state that has no hard power tools. But soft power tools can strongly influence the international arena. Through sustainable development initiatives, through cooperation forums, Monaco can become a diplomatic platform. One of the most important tools is represented by sports, where the Monaco Grand Prix can be a meeting place for representatives of different countries. I really believe that Monaco has a well-established place in the international world, a microstate with a vector role.
R.G.: The historical struggles for independence and the fascinating rise of the Grimaldi dynasty are pivotal to Monaco’s narrative. How did you approach the historical research, and what aspects of Monaco’s past did you find most captivating or challenging to portray?
A.C.: The history of the princely family is fascinating and one of endurance, a family that has been around for over seven centuries. In history, there are many fascinating moments but also many characters that have remained in people’s memory. A difficult moment was the occupation of the Principality by the French Republic, later the French Empire, and the change of name from Monaco to Port Hercule, the occupation was between 1793 and 1814. The cultural identity was preserved and the Monegasques remained in history In my opinion extremely relevant for Monaco it is the 19th century when Prince Charles III created Monte Carlo and took Monaco to the stage of history and the world.
R.G.: How do you believe Monaco’s cultural heritage has shaped its identity, and which figures or events do you find particularly emblematic in this regard?
A.C.: Cultural heritage shaped every country and people. The principality’s identity was preserved through its language and traditions. The great Monegasque writers also wrote in the Monegasque language, later in French or Italian. The Principality of Monaco has an extremely rich and varied culture. Literary personalities such as Louis Nottari, Léo Ferré, Louis Frolla, recently Charlotte Casiraghi, musicians, athletes among whom we mention the Formula 1 pilots Louis Chiron, Olivier Beretta and recently Charles Leclerc, the historian Georges Vigarallo but also many other personalities who influenced French culture and implicitly European culture.
In my point of view the Principality of Monaco is an adaptive power with huge potential that is being explored and must continue to be enhanced. The Principality of Monaco is becoming a model for many other states of the world.
Alexandru Cristian is an historian, writer, lawyer born on October 23, 1987 in Brăila, county Brăila, Romania. He holds a Ph.D. Thesis in Information and National Security from the “Carol I” National Defense University in 2015. He graduated in Law in 2019 at Titu Maiorescu University in Bucharest. He published several studies over US- Romanian Relations like 140 years of Us-Romanian Relations, Partners without Partnership in 2020 published on Amazon Kindle Edition, Romania- The United States of America – Past, Present and Future, Prouniversitaria Publishing House, 2023. He studied Romanian-American diplomatic relations. He is a member of the American Academy of Poets.