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Abstract: The paper uses within-case analysis to assess the security of the media space of the Republic of Moldova, one of the least-examined cases in the former Soviet Union, and now on the border with the EU and NATO. Moldova, a relatively new sovereign state with instable governmental institutions, a weak bank system, a high level of corruption, and a weak media market, is particularly vulnerable to aggressive external propaganda and manipulation. This article analyzes the five elements structuring Moldova's media landscape: society, media outlets, media professionals, media bodies, and international networks. It argues that the measures taken to counteract Russian propaganda at both the national and international levels have been ineffective and that it is imperative to take a systemic approach that encompasses legislation, economic possibilities, and civil society scrutiny, coupled with adequate international effort.
In the wake of Russia's military aggression in Ukraine, it has become vital to address the informational security of states in geopolitical proximity to Russia. The countries of the Russian "near abroad" are more vulnerable to disinformation and propaganda due to their common Soviet past, the presence of Russian-speaking populations on their territory, and the "nostalgia" of the older segment of the population for the Soviet era. The Republic of Moldova, a multi-ethnic state with potential for pro-Russia separatist movements in Transnistria and Gagauzia, is particularly vulnerable to Russia's disinformation campaign. The situation is already insecure: a public opinion poll conducted in November 2017 revealed that a large segment of respondents (40.9 percent) in Moldova have high levels of trust in Russian mass media.1
This article will analyze the influence of Russian propaganda in the Republic of Moldova, one of the least-examined cases in the former Soviet Union and now situated on the border with the European Union and NATO. The article will use within-case analysis to assess five elements structuring Moldova's media landscape: society, media outlets, media professionals, media bodies, and international networks. The study further assesses the vulnerability of Moldova's informational space on the basis of its judicial environment; the willingness of political leaders to foment change; the situation of the Moldovan media market; and the ability of civil society to keep lawmakers accountable.
The main argument of this paper is that the measures currently being...