Moldova

Friday 17th June

"Political technology": why is it alive and flourishing in the former USSR?

Andrew Wilson, 17 June 2011

Since the 1990s, post-Soviet elites have used manipulation, corruption and the government machine to maintain their grip on power. But with countries' paths diverging over time and with little opposition to speak of in many cases, Andrew Wilson asks: why is there still a need for these dark arts?

Friday 4th December

Moldova - the Switzerland solution?

Louis O'Neill, 4 December 2009

At the OSCE summit 10 years ago this week, Russia and NATO agreed a deal on troop and armament withdrawals from Moldova. It remains unratified, as Russia still has a military presence there. But if it follows through with reform, things may start looking up for this tiny country caught in a frozen conflict, considers Louis O’Neill

Wednesday 7th October

Carrots and sticks in Moldova: Russian peacekeepers, big loans and the need for reforms

Louis O’Neill, 7 October 2009

The rhetoric of the new Moldovan government is not music to the Kremlin's ears. However the powers that be in Chishinau have no choice. Immediately after the present summit of the Community of Independent States, the government has to move ahead with the hard work of serious reform of the economy, judiciary, media and bureaucracy.

Wednesday 16th September

Battle for Moldova’s political heart

Louis O’Neill, 16 September 2009

Moldova's long-ruling communists, having recently been dethroned by the four-party Alliance for European Integration (AEI), are struggling to win back lost ground. The frantic activities of communist ex-President Voronin suggest he is not finding democracy easy