as you appear to read Romanian, check this out: a local Romanian reporter attempting to put together the links w/ Parscale, and then DT Jr's travel to and appearances on Romania TV (Ciotacu), etc. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17rTQbZjpD/
Thanks for the interesting article. I was wondering what you thought of Politico’s recent article about the military implications of a Georgescu victory considering the growing importance of Romania within NATO. Have you heard any fears from Moldovans about the impact of a “Romania-first” leader on their own security?
Hi Charlie, thanks for the question! This is a very difficult topic in Moldova because political constraints and Russian propaganda make it very difficult for the government to publicly message on security and defense issues. I just read your excellent piece on national civil defense on Crisis Europa (which Moldova Matters is now recommending) and I was struck at the impossibility for Moldova of having these rather mature conversations. Russian disinformation has paralyzed this issue space.
So, with that said, privately Moldovans I know have expressed varied opinions on direct security relations with Romania since 2022. One group thinks that if Moldova is invaded big brother will intervene. The other group (which I join) believes that Romania would never move without NATO. Generally there is some assumption that should Moldova be attacked directly the country could expect some level of material support like Ukraine is getting. If Georgescu is elected this debate is going to substantially shift. Romania as a solid democracy and EU / NATO security partner will become an isolationist outlier. The question is will the Romanian government see Moldova as the "near abroad" or as a renegade province? What is certain is that the whole set of assumptions will have to be revisited.
Looking more broadly at the region and outside of the bilateral relationship I think that Moldova will be very nervous about the potential for a major supporter of Ukraine to suddenly change course. That could have serious impacts on Ukraine's ability to conduct the war, but also on major economic security issues such as the grain corridor and supply routes. If Moldova is put in a position where its 2 neighbors are at odds on important issues of defense, logistics, commerce and movement of people, then the country will be in a tight spot.
All of this is my quick analysis, I think people here are largely holding their breath or whipping the vote for Sunday. What comes after will depend on Romania's choice.
Wow, this is a very interesting turn. And to have the USA participants sticking their noses anywhere they think can help them here at home . . . . Not on my bingo card either. Geez, you are so right warning other European countries to learn a lesson here. Or maybe 10 lessons. Thanks for keeping up updated - even on the crazy turns.
as you appear to read Romanian, check this out: a local Romanian reporter attempting to put together the links w/ Parscale, and then DT Jr's travel to and appearances on Romania TV (Ciotacu), etc. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17rTQbZjpD/
Hi Rich, thank you - very interesting post!
Thanks for the interesting article. I was wondering what you thought of Politico’s recent article about the military implications of a Georgescu victory considering the growing importance of Romania within NATO. Have you heard any fears from Moldovans about the impact of a “Romania-first” leader on their own security?
Hi Charlie, thanks for the question! This is a very difficult topic in Moldova because political constraints and Russian propaganda make it very difficult for the government to publicly message on security and defense issues. I just read your excellent piece on national civil defense on Crisis Europa (which Moldova Matters is now recommending) and I was struck at the impossibility for Moldova of having these rather mature conversations. Russian disinformation has paralyzed this issue space.
So, with that said, privately Moldovans I know have expressed varied opinions on direct security relations with Romania since 2022. One group thinks that if Moldova is invaded big brother will intervene. The other group (which I join) believes that Romania would never move without NATO. Generally there is some assumption that should Moldova be attacked directly the country could expect some level of material support like Ukraine is getting. If Georgescu is elected this debate is going to substantially shift. Romania as a solid democracy and EU / NATO security partner will become an isolationist outlier. The question is will the Romanian government see Moldova as the "near abroad" or as a renegade province? What is certain is that the whole set of assumptions will have to be revisited.
Looking more broadly at the region and outside of the bilateral relationship I think that Moldova will be very nervous about the potential for a major supporter of Ukraine to suddenly change course. That could have serious impacts on Ukraine's ability to conduct the war, but also on major economic security issues such as the grain corridor and supply routes. If Moldova is put in a position where its 2 neighbors are at odds on important issues of defense, logistics, commerce and movement of people, then the country will be in a tight spot.
All of this is my quick analysis, I think people here are largely holding their breath or whipping the vote for Sunday. What comes after will depend on Romania's choice.
Wow, this is a very interesting turn. And to have the USA participants sticking their noses anywhere they think can help them here at home . . . . Not on my bingo card either. Geez, you are so right warning other European countries to learn a lesson here. Or maybe 10 lessons. Thanks for keeping up updated - even on the crazy turns.