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Bassarabia, Disputed Land Between East and West

Author

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  • Ludmila GAMURARI

    (Stefan cel Mare” University, Suceava, Faculty of History and Geography, Political Sciences Specialization Romania)

Abstract

Republic of Moldova’s foreign policy is related to its geopolitical situation: East or West. For more than two years, in Moldova a fierce battle takes place for the country’s geopolitical orientation. The battle, started on April 7, 2009, has at stake the orientation of Bassarabia to Western structures (euro-atlantism) or its old position in the sphere of influence of the Russian Federation (eurocontinental). The fact is that the integration aspirations of Moldova in European Union have been present since the proclamation of independence until nowadays. The citizens of Moldovan state viewed the european integration in diffrent ways. The latest survey on the issue in question, conducted by the Center for Sochiological Research and Marketing CBS-Axa on November 4, 2010, noted that population is divided almost symmetrically in the East or West problem. According to this survey, the 47% of the population would opt for the europeanization of the Republic of Moldova, another 46% - that Moldova remains member of Community of Independent States (CIS). Also, 3% - advocate unification with Romania and if we quantify the percentage of those who want European integration and those who want union with Romania, conclude that 50% of population have European aspirations. In the same vein, the European integration is viewed in Moldova as an opportunity to travel without visa and work legally in the European contries. Many people who aspire to European integration are not aware of the basic principles of the EU, of the benefits that they could reap or the things that are forced to quit after EU accesion. If we analyze the situation in Romania after EU integration and the benefits that the citizens of Romania have benefited, we will note that the acces of rural population tu European funds is allien for them, not because they wouldn’t allow, but, rather, they don’t know about this opportunity. On the other hand, those who wish that the Republic of Moldova ramains a member of CIS, percieve European integration as a threat of union with Romania and the influence of the USA and NATO in the region. The fear is somewhat justified by hystorical and political factors in the country. Moldova has high aspirations for European integration and this result confirms recent parlamentary elections held on November 28, 2010, where parties which promoted ideas about integration of Moldova in the EU in the electoral platform, have gained acount 59 seats. In order to support the European aspirations of Moldova, Romania has a key rob, acting on two distinct levels: bilaterally, by providing constant help to Chisinau, and at European level through the steps that they can enterprise as an EU membership. The road of the Republic of Moldova to European Union pass through Romania, this is confirmed not only by the new government in Chisinau,but, also, it is confirmed by the authorities in Bucharest. The change of the Moldovan government after the parlamentary elections of July 29, 2009 and the institution of new government in September, have contributed to the improvment of the Moldovan-Romanian relations, so that Romania has become the partner of Moldova, advocating and encouraging the integration efforts of the teritory between the Prut and Nistru in European community. On the other hand, the Russian Federation has interests in the geospatial between the Prut and Nistru, behaving as if Russia and Moldova would have a common history, Russian presidential administration doesn’t miss an opportunity to intervene in the internal affairs of the Republic of Moldova. Thus, the visit of the chief of the presidential administration in the Kremlin, immediately after parlamentary elections on November 28, 2010, means that the Russian authorities concern about Moldovan political affairs. Presidential administration in the Kremlin announced its position vis-a-vis of the Republic of Moldova, promoting for strengthen anti-Western political forces in Moldova and maintanance the „true geopolitical identity” of it. More than that, Transnistria has a strategic position for Russia, which hampers the integration of Moldova into the European Union. The Russia side considers its military presence in Moldova as an opportunity to exert an influence in the Balkans, and if the Russian Federation takes back its troops from Transnistria, it will be regarded as a failure in the West. The increase of EU and NATO presence in the region will lead to an increase cooperation between Russia and separatist authorities in order to block EU initiative of Moldova. The Republic of Moldova has two geopolitical options, one that knows more than two centuries – the CIS, Russia, and one which requires a democratic regime, market economy and mentality of club – giving up some individual freedoms for the common wealth – in return for the guarantee progress and security. Romania and the Republic of Moldova, maybe will never be united under the banner of single country, maybe the unification of this two Romanian states is a „national geopolitical utopia”, but the two sides can grow together in this „distinct club” – European Union.

Suggested Citation

  • Ludmila GAMURARI, 2011. "Bassarabia, Disputed Land Between East and West," Conferinta Stiintifica Internationala Logos Universalitate Mentalitate Educatie Noutate - Lumen International Scientific Conference Logos Universality Mentality Education Novelty, Editura Lumen, Department of Economics, vol. 1, pages 85-87, February.
  • Handle: RePEc:lum:rev10b:v:1:y:2010:i::p:85-87
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    Keywords

    europeanization; geopolitical identity; eurocontinental; euro-atlantism; national geopolitical utopia; club mentality; distinct club –EU.;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • A23 - General Economics and Teaching - - Economic Education and Teaching of Economics - - - Graduate
    • R1 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics

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