Global Friends or Enemies? International Environment's Impact on Policy Making in Moldova

The paper will present the findings from the work of my Master Thesis which concerns the international environment's influence on policy making in the Republic of Moldova. The research which I am conducting is trying to examine how global influence might actually not only harm the performance of the state (given that the geopolitical orientation determines politicians identity, not the certain ideology or policies pursued) but also question its very existence. The Republic of Moldova is a very specific example with huge minority groups and identity clashes which influences day-to-day politics. Many political actors, not only external, but also internal, question its very existence which combined with the weak and captured state, mass migration of its citizens and the poor quality of life raises a question if it will continue to exist in the future. The aim of this research is to examine in which way external political actors influence the policy making in Moldova and if their impact on internal issues does or does not contribute to the further weakening of this state (in many respects, mainly economy and demography). The author will consider especially three main external actors, namely the Russian Federation, Romania and the European Union. The research shall contribute to further understanding of psychological determinants which in the situation of international cooperation (or conflict) influence political decision making. Except the political decision making, the author will also take a closer look into the issue of Moldovan identity and examine how it has been shaped in recent years and how the external influences determine it. The paper will present the results of the broader research conducted by the author which in order to examine such a complex issue covers several areas, starting from historical implications on the identity shape and also on Moldova’s position in the international environment. Then the identity will be examined focusing on the role of minorities, political parties and the problem of “hidden influence” which seems to have no ideology, however it based its position on the pro-European stance (Democratic Party and Vlad Plahotniuc). In the next part, all mentioned three external influences are examined: in case of Russia the focus on the way it shapes minority policies and on the matters of security (but also on its role on Moldovan identity formation); in case of Romania the way it shapes public discourse and European stance shall be examined with a special focus on unionist option; in case of European Union the influence on Moldova’s internal and international stances shall be examined with a special focus on recent “pro-European” government. The author hopes that the research will help to understand how the international environment influences political psychology of political elites and in which way it determines the future shape of that state.