Unfreezing Failed Frozen Conflicts: A Post-Soviet Case Study

Abstract:

The dispute for regional influence between Russia and the European Union has resulted in dramatic events in Ukraine. Less visibly, a similar situation has developed in the southern Moldovan autonomous region of Gagauzia. In the context of Moldova’s signing of an EU Association Agreement in June 2014, calls were made to take up arms and erect barricades. Independence was to be proclaimed one day after – and because of – that signing. This was avoided, but the crisis is far from coming to an end. Using the concept of failed frozen conflict, this article argues that tensions mainly are due to local leaders trying to take advantage of the new international situation in order to promote their own group and private interests. This endangers seriously the stability and security of both Gagauzia and the Republic of Moldova.