Mapping Plurality in Moldova

Abstract

Since its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, Moldova has been identified as riven by division and contestation around key issues of identity, nation, and language (Prina 2014; Marandici 2023). This article does not dispute this claim, but it does seek to contextualize it. For example, Moldova's political elites have used the contested issue of identity to their advantage, politicizing what they can to foment division, even when such issues may not initially have been divisive. At the same time, Moldova is highly pluralistic - not least in terms of identity, nation, and language. However, this pluralism is neither necessarily an issue of division nor contestation.