The Problem of Ethnopolitical Stability in Central and Eastern Europe and Theoretical Framework for the New Institutionalism

Abstract

Modern Europe suffers from political instability which is caused by Russian foreign policy above all. The complex nature of the Russian Federation's efforts in order to instrumentalize the divide etimperaprinciple is becoming increasingly apparent. Killing the wedge between the European powers is a guarantee of the lack of consensus in the decision making in response to the aggressive and dangerous behavior of Moscow in the global dimension (Crimea annexation, aggression in the East of Ukraine, support of B. Assad in Syria and the formation of uncontrolled waves of migration, interference with the electoral process in the USA, chemical attack in Salisbury, UK, a permanent blockage of the work of the UN Security Council etc.). Unfortunately, at the level of bilateral relations, there are also attempts to disperse neighboring states, in particular on ethnonational grounds (frequent provocations involving Russian special services in the border towns of Ukraine, Poland, and Hungary). In this regard, the problem of ensuring ethnopolitical stability in the region becomes extremely relevant, and even more vital. It is worth noting that Ukraine not only offers the study of its own experience for the development of a common policy in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe; Ukrainian scientists carry out comprehensive conceptual studies on ethnopolitical stability and the ways to ensure it, making their work useful for the European community. The problem of ethnopolitical stability is of great practical importance not only for Ukraine but also for Moldova. The neighbouring state has been suffering from the targeted actions of the Russian Federation since 1992, which uses the peculiarities of the ethnic composition of Moldova, its history and the language issue for producing an ethnopolitical destabilization’s zone on the border with Ukraine. Obviously, Moldova (as well as Ukraine) faces (and will face) a lot of difficulties, including ethnopolitical in its path towards EU. However, the clear crystallization of national interests, the understanding of these national interests by the general public will be a reliable fence in the inspiration of ethnopolitical instability, both in Moldova and in Ukraine. Keywords: ethnicity, ethnopolitical stability, new institutionalism, instrumentalization, Central and Eastern Europe