T
hroughout history, borders have separated
nations, states and empires. At the same time
the course and character of a border can
determine the power and vitality
of those around it. This is especially true
in the case of Central and Eastern Europe and the
Commonwealth of Independent States, which have
experienced dramatic changes in their political geography
since 1990.
The Republic of Moldova is a prime example in
illustrating how borders can affect the very nature and condition
of a state. After obtaining independence in 1991, the
new state had to regulate its borders with the neighbouring
countries of Romania and Ukraine. The task was not simple
at all since an armed conflict burst out on the left bank of
the Nistru River in 1992, which led to the separation of
Transnistria.