Beyond the Traditional Nation State

The complex case of Moldova, Transnistria, and their Domestic Minorities

Abstract

Moldova and Transnistria have a peculiar relationship. Moldova is recognized as an independent state by most all other countries. Transnistria, on the other hand, lacks this formal recognition of sovereignty but functions as an independent country in every other way. This odd but fascinating relationship between the two autonomous political units is worthy of its own study. However, this relationship becomes even more interesting when analyzing their minority relations. Both Moldova and Transnistria have their own minority populations. But as Transnistria is not technically an independent state, Transnistrians are therefore considered a minority within Moldova. To do justice to the inherent complexities, the thesis of this paper is twofold: first, it will argue that both Moldova and Transnistria have been relatively successful at integrating their own minority populations. Secondly, it will argue that Moldova and Transnistria have largely been unable to integrate with each other, a phenomenon attributable to their differing political development and threats of unification with other countries.