In October 1939—shortly after the Invasion of Poland and the start of World War II—, "Însemnări Ieșene" published his article deploring man's return to his "beastly" nature and expressing fears that modern life had made soldiers indifferent about transcendentals. Popa witnessed subsequent developments from the side. The National Renaissance Front fell from power after agreeing to territorial losses in favor of Hungary and the Soviet Union. He was part of the Grand Caucus of the University, which issued a reserved protest against the cession of Northern Transylvania. With a special issue and articles in "Însemnări Ieșene", Popa also mourned the loss of Bessarabia and Northern Bukovina. Harassed by the Iron Guard, which blacklisted him for assassination, Popa managed to survive its "National Legionary State" regime, proclaimed in September 1940. However, "Însemnări Ieșene" was banned, with some of its staff members moved to the fascist-inspired "Cetatea Moldovei" review. A Iași medical faculty purging commission, headed by Iron Guard men, proposed Popa's transfer "to another scientific institution", citing Popa's "left-wing ideas" as a rationale.