Chisinau and Bucharest have renewed talk of the possibility of uniting Romania and Moldova into a single state.
Amidst the RF’s aggressive foreign policy and the complete collapse of the modern system of international security and law, such a step is rationally justified, politically prudent, and well-founded.
It is obvious that Moldova’s population of 2.5 million and its 6,000-strong army are unlikely to be able to offer serious resistance to an aggressor and defend their state sovereignty. Besides, Moldova’s small territory limits its room for manoeuvre, which is also an important factor that prevents it from building an effective defence system on its own.
A number of problems are also created by Transnistria, which is effectively occupied by Russia and whose territory could be used by the RF as a springboard for an armed invasion of Moldova. However, this threat is currently minimal, as Ukraine stands in the way, having been successfully waging a full-scale war against the Russian aggressor for almost four years.
It should be noted separately that another negative factor affecting Moldova’s defense capability is the unstable socio-political situation in Gagauzia. There, the RF also plays a destructive role, constantly provoking interethnic conflicts and political confrontations.
But the most important thing about the unification of Moldova and Romania is that Moldovans and Romanians are actually one people, with the common language, mentality, and history. That is why the decision to unite Romanians and Moldovans into one state would be logical, rational, and politically sound.
Such a development would also be in the interests of Romania and Moldova’s closest neighbors, in particular the EU countries and Ukraine, as it would significantly strengthen the protection of their southern borders, which would generally hinder the implementation of Putin’ Russia’s aggressive plans and strengthen the European continental security system.
Oleh Bereziuk
Institute for Global Politics
