Despite progress in the process of European integration during the period 2000-2008 and the increasing presence of the European Union in the country, Moldova is still vulnerable to Russian influence.
19.12.2008, Riina Kaljurand
Despite progress in the process of European integration during the period 2000-2008 and the increasing presence of the European Union in the country, Moldova is still vulnerable to Russian influence.
The Georgia-Russia war led to speculation that a similar scenario might happen in the break-away region of Transnistria. However, according to Moldovan foreign policy analysts, the occurrence of similar events there is highly unlikely as the Transnistrian conflict is not the only way to keep Moldova within Russia’s sphere of influence. First and foremost Russia needs a fragmented society receptive to its propaganda; in this regard, Moldova is certainly fertile ground.
The motivation of the Moldovan Communist elite to carry out democratic and economic reforms has been based on disappointment in Russia as a reliable partner rather than on a sincere conviction to belong to Europe or to integrate into the European economic and security space.
This analysis has been conducted within the framework of a larger study focusing on the formation of Russian foreign policy by the political elite during Putin’s presidency and its impact on the closest neighbourhood.
Download: Riina Kaljurand – Russian influence on Moldovan politics during the Putin era (2000-2008)