Understanding the Centrifugal Forces in Asymmetric Power-Sharing Arrangements: The Case of Gagauzia

Type: Text

Title: Understanding the Centrifugal Forces in Asymmetric Power-Sharing Arrangements

Subtitle: The Case of Gagauzia

Creator: Elena Antohi

DOI: 10.15457/cp_1_121-136

Date of Publication: 19.02.2018

License: CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

Language: English

Availability: Download

Description: The aim of this work is to understand the main centrifugal forces in the dialogue between the autonomous region of Gagauzia and Moldovan central public authorities. Although one of the few cases of the peaceful mitigation of an ethnic conflict in post- Soviet space, this autonomous arrangement was established with loose requirements that have resulted in only a superficial mechanism of integration for Gagauzia. This provides the grounds to consider Gagauzia, although a different case, in reintegration policies parallel to the Transnistrian issue. This analysis describes the irregularities, tensions and threats to regional stability posed by Gagauzia. While attempting to depict the complex picture of the factors hindering the functioning of the autonomous region, the present work sheds light on the informal practices and the lack of political will to efficiently implement the special legal status of Gagauzia.

Geographical Area: Gagauzia, Moldova

Keywords: centrifugal forces, power-sharing arrangements, Gagauzia, Republic of Moldova, inter-ethnic tensions, minorities

Structured recordings: Relitz, Sebastian (ed.): Obstacles and Opportunities for Dialogue and Cooperation in Protracted Conflicts. Regensburg: Leibniz Institute for East and Southeast European Studies (IOS), 2018. ISBN: 978-3-945232-01-9. http://doi.org/10.15457/cp_1.

Citation: Antohi, Elena (2018): Understanding the Centrifugal Forces in Asymmetric Power-Sharing Arrangements: The Case of Gagauzia. Version: 1. Leibniz Institute for East and Southeast European Studies (IOS). Text. http://doi.org/10.15457/cp_1_121-136.