West or East? Geopolitical Challenges to Moldova’s Borders

• Published in: Regional research of Russia 2023-06, Vol.13 (2), p.351-363
• Main Authors: Gritsenko, A. A., Zotova, M. V.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Economics; Economics and Finance; Fieldwork; Geopolitical Studies; Geopolitics; Regional/Spatial Science; Slavic studies
• ISSN: 2079-9705; 2079-9713
• DOI: 10.1134/S2079970523700648

— On the eve and following the breakup of the Soviet Union, Moldova was faced with the geopolitical dilemma of orientation towards European or Eurasian spaces. Historical and ethno-cultural arguments divided the society and led to armed conflict, as well as to the emergence of the non-recognized Transnistrian Moldovan Republic (Transnistria or the TMR) along the Moldovan-Ukrainian border. This paper examines further changes in the regime and functions of the Moldovan borders, the bordering practices related to domestic political processes in both Moldova and Transnistria, as well as their relationships with neighbours, Russia, and the EU. The study relies on a number of expert interviews with government officials and local stakeholders, economists and political scientists, as well as on observations made in the course of fieldwork conducted in Moldova and Transnistria during May-June 2019. The authors conclude that reconfiguring borders and geopolitical orientation of Moldova towards the EU and Romania has not led to radical changes in public sentiments towards Russia yet and, therefore, has not removed dividing lines within the Moldovan society, but, on the contrary, has strengthened territorial division of Moldova and the TMR.