The Phenomenon of “Path Dependence” - Institutional Impediments to the European Integration of the Republic of Moldova

Abstract

Path dependence theory determines ways in which previous decisions
have produced a set of institutions and policies and how they, in their
turn, determine future decisions. The last four years of Moldova’s history
transposes a pessimistic mood among the population of the country, as
well as among the community of experts, political scientists, politicians
- regarding the Moldova’s “success story” and its potential to move
closer to the European Union. The current situation in the Moldovan
society is a reflection of political decisions made by the government and
the political class, which may have an impact on the EU agenda and,
relatively, in one form or another, is characteristic for other countries
in this region (here Ukraine). Political analysis argues that in both states
there is the influence and participation of the oligarchic factor on the
political agenda, characterized by its destructive nature as to domestic
politics, the strengthening of pro-Russian movements and increase in
the number of sympathizers, which, in the end, “benevolently” impacts
the geopolitical orientation of the country.