The present collection of research papers, focusing on the analysis of the
current ethnic situation in Moldova was a natural follow up of the researches
developed between 2000 and 2006 by the Institute of Public Policy in the field of
transformations and reforms in Moldovan society.
Most of the countries can be presently characterized through cultural diversity.
According to the recent estimations, in the 180 independent countries of the
world there are 600 spoken languages and 5000 ethnic groups. Only in a small
number of countries, citizens speak the same language or belong to the same ethnonational
group. The diversity generates a set of important and controversial issues.
The minorities and majorities more and more often disagree on the rights related
to language, regional autonomy, political representation, education curricula,
terri torial claims, immigration and naturalization policy, even national symbols,
national anthem, music, dances and political holidays. From the human development
perspective, finding answers to this issue, that are justifiable from the
moral and viable, and from the political standpoint, is the greatest challenge of
the current democratic governments, including Moldova, which passes through
an interminable period of transition.
After the national liberation movement, adaptation of various European criteria,
laws and standards, radical transformations in the political, economic and
spiritual life, as well as modification and intensification of migration processes,
the ethnopolitical, ethnocultural and ethnogeographical picture of Moldova experienced
essential changes. Several of these changes were outlined and analyzed
in a series of studies and researches. The recent multi-disciplinary studies, the
studies in the field of public policies developed within the programs of the
Institute for Public Policy, as well as the results of the „Public Opinion Barometer“
illustrate new evolutions of the national identity issue and attitudes regarding
the general values of modern society. The experience of organizing and administrating
surveys in 2000-2006, within the „Public Opinion Barometer“ program,
shows interesting and conclusive data about the real picture of the current ethnic composition and the attitudes of respondents. These results suggested the need
for a thorough interdisciplinary study of the ethnopolitical and demographical
situation in our country, as well as a set of surveys focused on ethnic issues and
policies.
Thus, we would like to thank our project partners, the Institute of Marketing
and Surveys IMAS Inc. from Chisinau and Mircea Kivu, international consultant,
the authors of research papers, as well as the representatives of mass media who
reflected the events within this project and who informed constantly the public
opinion about the experts’ conclusions and recommendations.