This article examines the eff ect of the Transnistrian area on Moldova-Russia relations. David Lake’s
concept of hierarchy will be used as the theoretical framework. The article examines why Russia’s
mechanisms of infl uence should be seen as a refl ection of a hierarchical relationship between Russia
and Moldova. The article begins by explaining why this work has chosen a hierarchical framework and
a brief introduction of Transnistria. This is followed by two sections of analysis: security and economy.
These two sections will also contain subsections on events that highlight the hierarchical nature of the
Moldova-Russia relationship. This article shows that Russia clearly has a hierarchical relationship with
Moldova. David Lake’s theory proves to be a useful tool in understanding Moldovan-Russian relations.