Europeanization and conflict resolution: a view from Moldova / Additional Commentary to Europeanization and Conflict Resolution: Case Studies from the European Periphery

Abstract

The present paper looks at the nexus between Europeanization and conflict resolution through the prism of the Transnistria conflict in Moldova. The paper begins with a theoretical account of the conditions under which Europeanization may contribute to conflict resolution. Then the paper addresses the issue of the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) as a possible framework for Europeanization. Moldova's attitude towards the policy and a critical assessment of ENP is made, as well as how the debates on the European integration of Moldova have shaped the debates on conflict resolution. The nature of the Europeanization mechanisms of conditionality, social learning and lesson drawing are analysed from the perspective of their relevance for Moldova in general, and for conflict resolution in Transnistria in particular.

Keywords

• Moldova
• Transnistria
• Europeanization
• European Neighbourhood Policy
• conflict resolution
• theory-building