This paper analyzes the status of Transnistria through the lenses of Ukraine’s faceoff with pro-Russian separatists in Donbass. The text’s author specifically explains 1) how Russia helped Transnistria break away from Moldova to become a de facto and little recognized ‘statelet’; 2) how Moscow uses the ersatz state to exert influence over Moldova and Ukraine; and 3) the critical role that Transnistria plays in defending Russia’s geopolitical interests in several European sub-regions. The author closes the analysis by suggesting ways NATO should manage the Transnistria problem and assist Moldova to reform its defense, security and intelligence sectors. …read more
The Transnistrian Conflict in the Context of the Ukrainian Crisis
