Some Lessons from Moldovian History and the New Chance, the New Challenges, Mistakes, and Useful Experiences

Abstract

Since 1812 when Russia occupied Bessarabia, tearing it from the medieval state of Moldova, people in this territory have experienced much hardship and desperation but never had such favorable conditions for deciding its destiny as now. During this time, the territory was chopped up and shared and the people could do nothing. The big countries were deciding their fate. When the USSR collapsed, Moldova gained a real chance to develop as an independent state and end the vicious circle of uncertainty. Although now the economical situation of Moldova is not very good, the willingness of the democratic community to help the new states attain democracy provides a great opportunity for Moldova. Even though Moldova has made significant steps implementing reforms, and is well ahead with these reforms in comparison to other states of the former USSR, it has already made many mistakes that worsen its situation. Analyzing the experiences of Southern Asian countries and Poland, and comparing them with steps taken in Moldova, it becomes clear why Moldovian reforms didn't bring the desired results. The Asian countries made reforms easier for their people by taking well-defined steps. They made corrections when something didn't work or when moving to another stage of reforms. That was suitable for them since their economy, although not effective, nevertheless was working. For Moldova, which inherited a segment of the former USSR economy and has no resources, the situation deteriorates day by day. Reforms must be provided quickly and decisively like in Poland. Poland tried for ten years to make reforms, but only the program begun in 1990 succeeded. This was because the program was well planned and strictly executed. Previous programs failed and brought the country to a disastrous position by 1990. This shows that only a short, well-defined and decisive program has a chance to succeed in such cases. Delaying reforms can only cause the situation to deteriorate.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 01, 2000
Accession Number
ADA425324

Entities

People

  • Pantelei Esan

Organizations

  • Air Command and Staff College

Tags

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  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Weapons Technologies

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  • Agreements
  • Agriculture
  • Commerce
  • Corporations
  • Economic Systems
  • Ethnic Groups
  • European Union
  • Governments
  • International Organizations
  • Investments
  • Law
  • Market Economy
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  • New York
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  • South Korea
  • Ussr

Readers

  • Educational Psychology
  • International Relations and Conflict Resolution
  • Military History of the United States in the 20th Century.