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Location
Online Asynchronous
Access Type
Campus Access Only
Entry Number
141
College
Lynchburg College of Arts and Sciences
Department
Political Science
Keywords
Moldova, Russia, Ukraine, Romania, European Union, NATO, War, Diplomacy, Trade, Protest
Abstract
Moldova is at a political crossroads. This Eastern European state was once one of fifteen Soviet Socialist Republics that formed the USSR and has maintained close political and economic ties with Moscow. However, Moldova’s historical and cultural roots with its neighbor to the west, Romania, have prompted increased support from both countries for a possible reunification, along with further hopes of joining the European Union and possibly NATO. The war in Ukraine continues to raise security issues for Chișinău, and Russia’s aggression has led to increased provocations directed at President Maia Sandu’s pro-West government. Moldova faces various issues that could prevent it from joining its western neighbors; notably, their reliance on Russian energy imports and the hostility of the pro-Russian breakaway state, Transnistria. Additionally, Chișinău has been subject to pro-Russian protests. Despite this, it is likely that Moldova joins its European counterparts in the near future. The possibility of joining the EU, along with imports of Romanian energy, could be enough to secure an economically safe and secure republic, but this may not be taken lightly by President Vladimir Putin. While this presentation will center on addressing the reasons as to why Moldova is likely to join these Western institutions, it will also consider the reasons that it could be prevented from doing so and the possibility of further Russian aggression.
Faculty Mentor(s)
Dr. Marek Payerhin
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Moldova: Facing a Crossroads?
Online Asynchronous
Moldova is at a political crossroads. This Eastern European state was once one of fifteen Soviet Socialist Republics that formed the USSR and has maintained close political and economic ties with Moscow. However, Moldova’s historical and cultural roots with its neighbor to the west, Romania, have prompted increased support from both countries for a possible reunification, along with further hopes of joining the European Union and possibly NATO. The war in Ukraine continues to raise security issues for Chișinău, and Russia’s aggression has led to increased provocations directed at President Maia Sandu’s pro-West government. Moldova faces various issues that could prevent it from joining its western neighbors; notably, their reliance on Russian energy imports and the hostility of the pro-Russian breakaway state, Transnistria. Additionally, Chișinău has been subject to pro-Russian protests. Despite this, it is likely that Moldova joins its European counterparts in the near future. The possibility of joining the EU, along with imports of Romanian energy, could be enough to secure an economically safe and secure republic, but this may not be taken lightly by President Vladimir Putin. While this presentation will center on addressing the reasons as to why Moldova is likely to join these Western institutions, it will also consider the reasons that it could be prevented from doing so and the possibility of further Russian aggression.