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How this small country has turned into a geopolitical battleground between East and West
Nestled between Romania and Ukraine, Moldova is a small nation with a complex history and significant strategic importance. Once a part of the Soviet Union, Moldova’s journey through empires — Ottoman and Russian — has shaped its unique identity and challenging socioeconomic landscape. Today, Moldova stands at the crossroads of Eastern Europe, caught in a geopolitical tug-of-war between Russia and the European Union (EU).
From Soviet Shadows to European Aspirations
Following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Moldova emerged as an independent state grappling with the remnants of a planned Soviet economy. The transition to a market economy was fraught with difficulties, and Moldova quickly became one of Europe’s poorest countries. Endemic corruption, political instability, and economic hardships hindered progress and development.
However, the winds of change began to blow stronger in 2020 with the election of Maia Sandu, a pro-Western reformist, as the President of Moldova. Sandu’s victory on an anti-corruption platform signified a clear pivot towards the West, much to the chagrin of Russia. Her administration has focused on aligning Moldova more closely with European standards and values, aiming to combat corruption, strengthen democratic…
