Civil Society Organizations And Conflict Resolution: Moldova-Transnistria

In: International journal on world peace, Band 28, Heft 2, S. 7-34

Abstract

This article examines the role of civil society organizations (CSOs) in the Moldova-Transnistria conflict. After a violent conflict in 1992, Transnistria became a de facto, but unrecognized state. While much has been written on the official diplomatic processes for the settlement of this conflict, little has been written on the contribution of CSOs. The article focuses on concrete projects for peace run by activists from both the Moldovan and Transnistrian sides. The study states that the intervention by CSOs were in place and they have played a relevant role since the mid-1990s. However, the situation of Moldovan civil society has kept organizations from exclusively focusing on peace and conflict resolution. This has limited the know-how in the field, which is still low. Moreover, political institutions are giving little support to this specific work. The main exception in the last years is the EU, which is showing a new interest in involving CSOs in conflict resolution. Adapted from the source document.