GAGAUZIA | Moldova's Next Threat?

[@JamesKerLindsay]

This is such an interesting situation. The Gagauz are a truly fascinating community. Turkic language speaking Christian Orthodox. But they have become heavily Russified. But Turkey is also trying to exert influence. So, is this a growing problem for Moldova? And do you think this will become a separatist conflict again? As ever, I really look forward to your thoughts and comments.

[@cgt3704]

I personally dint think their threat should be taken that seriously. For one, their population is very small so they wont have any miliary means to try and secede outright. And also, their region is a series of enclaves that dont have many resources and are stuck between Moldova and Romania, meaning that if they somehow become independent they will have to make direct trade with two nations that Gaugauzia has bad blood with. And thats why i think the gaugauz people will not try and secede from Moldova. It will be less of a benefit than it seems (kinda like Brexit)

[@FlamingBasketballClub]

Would it have been a wise decision if Moldova chose neutrality?

[@FlamingBasketballClub]

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[@theconqueringram5295]

You know, maybe there will be.

[@ЭдвардВ.М]

You have a problem with your head because I see you don't like Russians, go see a doctor or a therapist. Drink some pills

[@vegas5706]

Greetings from Moldova, and many thanks for your work!

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate it. I hope you found it a fair and accurate account of the situation. And warmest greetings from Cyprus.

[@bilic8094]

​​@@JamesKerLindsay You own a condo in Cyprus or something it's seems like you're there a lot.

[@makelovenotwarnoob]

The paradox in Gagauzia is that Moldova gave them a very high degree of autonomy hoping that the Gagauz people will promote their Gagauz culture, will speak and develop their Gagauz language, will emmbrace their Turkish roots and traditions. But they did almost nothing in this direction. The overwhelming majority of people in Gagauzia speak only Russian. Very few young people in Gagauzia know the Gagauz language. They watch Russian TV, they speak Russian and basically live in the Russian cultural sphere. Moldova even hopes for Turkey to encourage the Gagauz to not lose their culture. So the high degree of autonomy that Moldova offered them has backfired. Instead of developing the Gagauz culture it turned into a Russian cultural buble and into a population that seem to love Russia more than they love Gagauzia.

[@merocaine]

This is why the Ukrainian nationalist government want to stop speaking Ukrainians speaking Russian, and are trying to stamp out Russian culture, down to history and even religion. The pull of Russian culture is very strong, that's why western propaganda influence is low, they feel Russian themselves, and when the west attacks Russia, wheatear military or culturally it is seen as an attack on there sense of self.

[@attilaabonyi8879]

Ironic...and stupidly sad.

[@roberthoyt7921]

The Gagauz should wake up and end their reliance on terrorist Russia. One of the solutions should be an outright ban on all Russian state TV/media so not one Gagauz will ever again be forcibly corrupted by scum backed by the Moscow Kremlin who spit lie after lie of just about anything for the sake of their own ratings and popularity among other pro-Russian scum.

[@gannon3816]

Because Moldova has nothing to offer the Gagauz people

[@alexlehrersh9951]

Lies

[@weepingscorpion8739]

Thank you, professor, for covering Gagauzia. Often in discussions about the future of Moldova people bring up Transnistria while simulatneously completely glossing over Gagauzia which I feel is oversimplifying a bit despite the small size of the area, in fact, Gagauzia is just slightly larger than my home of the Faroe Islands but it has almost 3 times the population. I also find the fact that they are Christians rather than most other Turkic peoples who mainly are Muslim (I think the Bashkir have a high number of Christians too) very interesting. But for me the most interesting is the Gagauz language and how similar and at the same time how different it is from (Anatolian) Turkish. It has in fact really caught my attention as a linguist but more importantly as a language nerd. I therefore also find it sad to see and hear how the Gagauz seem to be switching to speaking Russian instead but I think I can read between the lines that exposure has a huge say, which is something as I coming from another small language community can absolutely relate to. But again, thanks for this video, this is one where in the worst case we have a forgotten powder keg waiting to go off. I hope it'll never become that serious but the world has taught me that you should never say never.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thank you so much, I always love when viewers from other disciplines jump into the comments with contributions like this. It is fascinating to hear perspectives on topics from other angles. I am not a linguist (although I have a bit of Turkish) and so I wondered how close the two languages are. But, sadly, it appears increasingly moot. it seems that Russian really does dominate now.

[@Apistoleon]

Actually there has been many more Turkic Christian populations in the past and they do still exist today. Christianity was the first Abrahamic religion of Turkic people. 1,5 million Orthodox Christian Turkic Chuvash exist today, including Orthodox Christian Turkic Yakut people, being almost half a million, Turkic Altai, some Tatars and others. I am sure part of these populations are shamanistic, agnostic and atheistic as well!

[@Apistoleon]

@@JamesKerLindsay From the linguistic point of view, Gagauz and Istanbul Standard Turkish of Turkey are very close! Infact Gagauz is almost the same as the Turkish dialects in northern Bulgaria (Deliorman dialects), minus the Russian and Moldovan words! It is linguistically within the Balkan Turkish dialects. It is always pleasantly surprising for a Balkan Turkish person to hear authentic Gagauz Turkish speak. They are like," These people are like from our town and they are our kinsmen"! To add more twist to this, Gajals are muslim Gagauz. They live in Balkans too. This is also an interesting info for you!

[@weepingscorpion8739]

@@Apistoleon Yes, I was thinking of the Chuvash too but the name just didn't come to me at the time I wrote my comment. And yes, the differences between standard Anatolian Turkish and Gagauz is fascinating. I'm not that well versed in the dialectology but interesting that these dialects are that close and then there's apparently also a third language of the Balkans called "Balkan Gagauz Turkish" which is not (Anatolian) Turkish and not Gagauz but still very close to both. I unfortunately can't find much info about it but its ISO code is bgx if you want to look it up. But yes, the fact that the infinitive marker of Gagauz is just -maa and not -mak combined with the fact that they just got completely rid of ğ so that ağlamak is aalamaa in Gagauz is really fascinating.

[@Krobbe-wo7ck]

​@@JamesKerLindsay Professor, i am of gagauz origin and can say in a very short concise statement-gagauz are much closer to Russians due to historical and religious impacts. A nation or a person cannot forget its history.

[@Ricky_Baldy]

Hi Professor, Your channel is one of the reasons why i value KZbin. Given the standard of your coverage pertaining to countries and scenarios i do know and understand, i feel comfortable trusting your take on pretty much all topics you cover. Having that piece of mind - that you are purely fact driven, sensitive to all groups concerned and above all objective- really makes your channel necessary viewing every Friday. Thank you for starting and maintaining this channel. It is truly valuable.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thank you so much. That really means a lot to me. I love making these videos. It is so good to be able to explore these topics in more detail. And I really appreciate the support. Have a great weekend.

[@joerogue231]

​@@JamesKerLindsay You should make a video about the western war in Syria and the fake orchestrated chemical attack.

[@jamesrowlands8971]

What do you think of the loaded language used in the description of this video? Do you accept the position that it's a problem that Moldova could be pro-Russian?

[@Ricky_Baldy]

@James Rowlands Yes, given the current political climate I do think it could be a problem, depending on one's outlook.

[@emilholingher3530]

Gagauz are immigrants to Moldova.They forced their autonomy over a weak and peaceful Moldova.They better be be correct to Moldova.Cause their treason will not be forgotten.

[@faetont]

I really love this channel for its coverage of even the most obscure territories. Not many people before this war heard for Moldova, even less for Transnistria and only handful (including me :-) ) for Gagauzia. Nice of you to cover this topic. I cannot wait for the episode on Republic of Peščenica :-)

[@bilic8094]

Moldova most people have heard of before but transnistria/pridestrovia really got more focus with the war in Ukraine because of it's location but I've never heard of Gagauzia either.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thank you so much Vinko. You are completely right. I have long felt that Moldova has been the least known or covered European country. It is now getting more attention. But it still remains far less understood internationally than it should be.

[@emilholingher3530]

All this conflicte is because Moldova is weak and corrupt.Russia ,also corrupt,but powerfull,is playing a big role in keeping her weak and politically dependable.Gagauz are occupying a land that is not theirs,and,despite the Moldovan benevolence,are ready to backstab the host-country..

[@Todd.B]

I don't think I have ever heard that word before. Many thanks Prof for keeping us informed about what's going on in the world.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thanks Todd! Yes, it’s remarkably little known, even amongst people who work on conflict.

[@stevekillgore9272]

My sister-in-law spent near a decade with the OSCE, half of it with the concerns in Moldova. Thanks for bringing this to light.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thanks, Steve. The OSCE is a fascinating organisation. It does a lot of really important work, but is surprisingly little known more widely. It must have been so interesting to work on Moldova.

[@3dfxvoodoocards6]

5:15 - the Soviet Union invaded eastern Romania (Bessarabia) in June 1940 ! Not in July 1941.

[@EamonCoyle]

The subjects you cover and the content you provide is fantastic James !! Really is a break from the main, even so called independent producers rarely offer anything different to the mainstream when it comes to news and politics. Many thanks for the work you do sir !!

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thanks so much Eamon. I appreciate it enormously. I love making the videos. And the chance to delve deeper into subjects like this is a great learning opportunity for me too. I first learned about the Gagauz 30 years ago when I was a student. I always thought they were fascinating. It was great to have the opportunity to make a video on them.

[@MrMordechaiAnilevich]

I lived and worked in Moldova. The Moldovans just want to stay out of the Ukrainian war. They struggle because of the economy. The Russians are fermenting separatism in Gagauz and Transnistria. Personally I think Moldovans should let Gagauzia and Transnistria separate and join Romania.

[@hyperbeast134]

thats what should have happen but wont cause conflict is profit

[@mirceazaharia2094]

As a Romanian, I'm in favor of either letting them separate, or them having increased autonomy. A great national ambition of ours is to have Moldova and Romania join into one nation, with a common culture, language and heritage. We're not two separate peoples, we are pretty much the same. Various local and great powers have conspired over the centuries to keep us divided and weak, but that won't last forever.

[@gumusfatih]

What if they join Russia than? That is the worst idea.

[@dariagrinic]

Thanks Professor! I was born in Gagauzia and, I'm ashamed to admit, did not know its history too well. Pro-Russian and anti-EU views are indeed strong and not only amongst the elderly.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thanks so much. It has a fascinating history. But interesting - and rather depressing - to hear that the views are widely held across all age groups. This seemed to be the case from the referendum results.

[@peterwilliams2152]

@@JamesKerLindsay Why may I ask, is it depressing for people to hold their own views and not be dictated by outsiders as to what views they may possess?

[@JamesKerLindsay]

@@peterwilliams2152 I find it depressing because I am a strong believer in European unity. The EU offers a chance for economic development while providing strong safeguards for minority rights. I think it would offer the Gagauz a real hope to lead a sustainable future.

[@peterwilliams2152]

@@JamesKerLindsay So the fact that the Baltic Statelets refuse to give ethnic Russians "rights" doesn't concern you? Russia gives more rights to ethnic minorities than a number of EU states. As for economic development, without cheap Russian fuel, the EU is doomed to become an economic backwater.

[@jeejbeej]

​@@peterwilliams2152 Isn't today a free day in the troll factory too?

[@VanaeCavae]

Thank you for informing us about this. I have only heard about Transnistrian dispute in relation to Moldavia. I did not know about Moldavia having an another potential territorial dispute.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thank you. Yes, it’s a really fascinating and little known situation. But it’s suddenly become so much more significant given everything else going on.

[@abcMW1989]

There is plenty of info on recent political events from Gagauzia (Găgăuzia [gəgə'uzija], in Romanian) available in Romanian, on KZbin channels from the Republic of Moldova. They do offer a sophisticated view on what is really happening in this region. Unfortunately, none of them has subtitles in English. As they say, the devil is in the details.

[@michaelhenault1444]

A Gagauzia economic tie to Russia sounds unlikely. Non-contiguous markets between Russia and an autonomous population of 180,000 people can't be as prosperous as a connection with a local market. Unless Russia wants to subsidized such an entity on going. How likely is that?

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thanks Michael. You’re exactly right. This is why I am also sceptical about Republika Srpska successfully breaking away from Bosnia. Breakaway territories really need to neighbour their patrons to succeed. Interestingly, Transnistria is the exception. But I think this really continues now because Moldova doesn’t want to provoke Russia unnecessarily and so doesn’t try to overrun the 1500 Russian troops there and seize it back. But this is very different from an entirely new effort to breakaway by Gagauzia.

[@bilic8094]

Europe needs a strong Russia to keep a balance.

[@9_9876]

Transnistria alresdy works as a subsidised exclave for Russia. It is possible theorically. Though what russia has long wanted is for transnistria to be integrated back to Moldova with high autonomy, including veto powers

[@marrs1013]

​@@bilic8094 Russian propaganda. All Russia is doing is tearing countries apart for territorial gain. Nobody needs that, and the West finally had enough of the spineless practice in Ukraine.

[@elliotkeil6063]

I wonder if you might do a video or series about how you stay up to date and what sources of info you like? I think we’d all appreciate hearing your thoughts on following international news. Thanks for everything Professor!!

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thanks so much, Elliot. Great suggestion. I should try to do something on this. I’ve talked about it a little in previous Q&A videos.

[@BurningFlame1999]

At 2:40 you showed the results of the 1959 census, not the ones from 2014

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Yes, unfortunately it seems so. Well spotted. And apologies.

[@papazataklaattiranimam]

Average Turk can easily understand Gagauz language due to Gagauz being a Western Oghuz language which descended from the Pecheneg/Uz dialect of Medieval Oghuz language.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

And this is why I love doing KZbin! Thank you so much for that great extra information. 😀

[@edwardsnowden8821]

​@@JamesKerLindsay This same guy will tell you Kurds love turkey so much they have never and will never ask fir Kurdistan. 😂😂😂😂. his lying by the way. #Free Kurdistan

[@mrmaster9963]

@@edwardsnowden8821 Lol what does that have to with what he is saying here? Great demonstration of the ad hominem fallacy.

[@edwardsnowden8821]

@@mrmaster9963 #Kurds want a free Kurdistan and guys like him hate Kurds and Kurdistan

[@9_9876]

@@edwardsnowden8821 nope, he's right. I've seen many turks say this

[@HBTSO]

Unreal didn’t even know such a place existed thanks for enlightening me professor 🙏🏾

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thank you. It is certainly one of the rather less well-known issues I’ve covered!

[@Apistoleon]

Actually there has been many more Turkic Christian populations in the past and they do still exist today. Christianity was the first Abrahamic religion of Turkic people. 1,5 million Orthodox Christian Turkic Chuvash exist today, including Turkic Yakut people, being almost half a million, Turkic Altai, some Tatars and others. I am sure part of these populations are shamanistic, agnostic and atheistic naturally. Chuvash Turkic language is in the Bulgar Turkic group. Their Bulgar ancestors established Old Great Bulgaria in northern Black sea region, Volga Bulgaria and The First Bulgarian Empire. Volga Tatars also acknowledge their ancient Bulgar Turkic heritage, like Chuvash people. Note: Current Bulgaria has nothing to do with them, they have just the relic name of an old country and culture that got lost eons ago. From the linguistic point of view, Gagauz and Istanbul Standard Turkish of Turkey are very close! Infact Gagauz is almost the same as the Turkish dialects in northern Bulgaria (Deliorman dialects), minus the Russian and Moldovan words! It is linguistically within the Balkan Turkish dialects. It is always pleasantly surprising for a Balkan Turkish person to hear authentic Gagauz Turkish speak. They are like," These people are like from our town and they are our kinsmen"! To add more twist to this, Gajals are muslim Gagauz. They live in Balkans too. This is also an interesting info for you! Note: I just posted this separately again, instead of being lost in some other poster's comment. Thank you.

[@duybear4023]

I figured Moldova is the next domino to fall to Russia if Ukraine falls. I just hadn't realized how vulnerable they are already.

[@DacianRider]

extremely. that's why they should receive all possible help NOW, from both NATO / EU and Ukraine, to kick out the rushists ! It works in all our favors.

[@AnoNymous-mv4mj]

Russia doesn't want to invade and occupy places where people don't want them, it's way too much trouble. It's hard enough for them to quell dissent in Russia itself, they're lucky that so many journalists and oligarchs keep falling out of windows. What they do is bribe, influence, propagandize, encourage secessions, etc. If they believed forceful occupations worked they would start with Georgia, where nobody could prevent them.

[@bilic8094]

​@@DacianRider The Ukrainian Russian conflict will most likely end with Ukraine giving up the 25 to 30% of Ukraine they lost plus a neutral Ukraine .

[@DacianRider]

@@bilic8094 we shall see... it's not over till the fat vatnik sings ! 😁

[@CapitanDePlai]

You figured out wrongly, it happens.

[@andrewsarantakes639]

Excellent laydown of the dynamics in Moldova. Residual effects of past national political borders and conflicts conflicts is surprising.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thanks so much, Andrew.

[@BogdanPatrut]

Dear professor, could you make a new video about Moldova, after the upcoming summit of the European Poliical Community, which will be held in Bulboaca, at Mimi Castle vinery, near Chisinau, but not far from Transnistria and Gagauzia?

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thanks. I will certainly keep an eye on developments.

[@tiredox3788]

You ever thought about doing a video on BRICS lately. Because its been recent reports of 30 countries wanting to join the economic group.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thanks. Great suggestion. Yes, I have.

[@hugodesrosiers-plaisance3156]

Hello Professor. You actually just enlarged my mental world map, and I suspect I'm not the only one. Cheers for that.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thank you so much, Hugo. This was a topic I had wanted to cover for ages.

[@catalinmarius3985]

What happened in Moldova is exactly what happened in Crimeea. It was annexed by the Russian Empire in the 19th century and colonists slowly started to come in. It didn't happen like in Crimeea where the Tatar majority no longer exist but because of this there is a significant Russian minority in Moldova/Bessarabia. It just sucks that this is a tactic that works. Invade a territory, move your own people in that territory, and now you can claim "self-determination". Imagine if today Russia actually moves Z Russians into captured territories in Ukraine and makes a referendum, that referendum will pass without fake votes since it's basically just Russians voting to be part of Russia. Russians brought in by Russia. It sucks that this works.

[@kostam.1113]

Since time exists that is how things worked From Albanians in Kosovo to Russians in Crimea...

[@kostam.1113]

@badofi Soviet leaders had Ukraine fetish and used inflated Ukraine as a launch pad for potential interventions in neighbouring countries Zakarpatia was given to Ukraine (USSR) only because it shared a border with Hungary, Slovakia and Romania...

[@kabzaify]

17th century mate😊

[@mojewjewjew4420]

@badofi It wasnt a mistake,they were intentionatly put in ukraine to create future chaos and conflict,plus to justify an intervention.

[@nouriaasrorova8986]

The Tatar majority exists in Crimea. They have their own culture, their own language, customs, please stop to be "representative" of the Ctimean Tatars. Go to the Saudis like zelensky and talk about your own problems

[@HimanshuSingh-lk2my]

Never heard about it before. Thank you for covering such deep topics.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thanks so much. This is a rather unusual and obscure topic, even amongst those who look at secessionism. I had wanted to look at it for ages.

[@HimanshuSingh-lk2my]

@@JamesKerLindsay Thank you for covering. Heard about Transnistria as Ukraine war is in news. Through your video only came to know that why Moldova is separate country and not part of Romania. Keep making great content.

[@attilaabonyi8879]

I don't understand why they would think that eu memebership means reuniting with romania...because eu memebership means exactly that, memebership ship in THE *EU* not romania

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thanks. This is often a common theme when a country joins the EU and a kin state is already a member. Another good example of this was Cyprus and Greece. Interestingly, while everyone thought that Cyprus would just become another Greek vote, it has been much more independent minded. The two countries are close, but one doesn’t get the sense that EU membership amounted to union with Greece.

[@mojewjewjew4420]

It is because unification is apparently dificult given "international law" and Moldova joining EU would make the whole process easier,problem is that the goverment is corrupt and foreign influenced to the point even if Moldova joins EU its not a guarantee of reunification.

[@Leiwanderer]

I wonder why the Gagauz decided to embrace russification so much. I can't think of any other former Soviet people where it has reached such a level. Is it because they are a minority in their country and fear Romanian Moldovan dominance?

[@kostam.1113]

You already answered your question

[@RobespierreThePoof]

I have asked two Gagauz people this question. They insisted that they do not fear the Moldovans. I asked if there's some history of repression that I'm unaware of. They said no. It seems that it really is a sense that they are such a small minority that would be lost in a sea of Romanians in a Romania-Moldova reunion. They also do not distrust Moscow in the way that so many others do. The attitude struck me as similar to what you can hear from Pro-Russian Ukranians in Donbass and ethnic Russians in Transnistria. There's a nostalgia for what it seen as a safer lifestyle in the Soviet days, when the basic needs in life were secure. These are parts of Europe that have not done well in the new capitalist era, after all. It might be hard for us to understand why anyone would want to live in an autocratic system with high levels of corription, but both capitalism and democracy are messy. If you don't have prosperity., a decisive strongman leader can look promising.

[@Leiwanderer]

@@RobespierreThePoof Thank's a lot for this great answer!

[@christkoenigweg]

I saw 1-2 years before a turkish TV documentation about them and their life situation. The impression was that they keep their culture and tongue, but live in peace, respect & friendship with the majority without any nationalist desire to come closer with Türkiye or another turkic nation.

[@branscombeR]

@christkoenigweg: I think Professor Ker-Lindsay makes it clear that the political tilt in Gagauzia or Gagauz-Yeri, is towards the Russian Federation, not Türkiye. If you drive across the notional border between Moldova and Gagauzia, the first thing you notice is that road signs change from the Romanian language to Russian. R (Australia)

[@JamesKerLindsay]

@Branscombe Thanks. You are absolutely right. While they have a Turkic heritage, and Turkey is working hard to revive that, they are essentially Russified now. Also, if you look at all the Gagauz political sites, they are in Russian. Even the first names are mostly Russian, and even most surnames appear to be less “Turkish” than one might expect.

[@vilimihova8773]

I do not think they are Turks they are Bulgarians in origin they look exacly like us. And I think Russia is influced them because the culture is very similar and also Russia knows how to brainwash people from the Bulgarian ethnicity. Turkey basically cannot do nothing against it. Russia is too powerfull when it comes to manupolation of Bulgarians/Gagauz people.

[@mesamies123]

Excellent talk as always, Professor. Thank you. I have a question that is an aside: why 'parent' state? I understand that this must be the term in the discipline, but I wonder if the term is patronizing. I don't mean to imply that you are patronizing, certainly, but that term bothers me. I may be the only one, so it won't matter! 🙂 Thank you, and enjoy your time in Cyprus!

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thanks. Great point. I know it doesn’t sound quite right. But it is the term that is used and it conveys the meaning most effectively. It really reflects the way that the international system is completely geared around states.

[@msbayramoglu1]

I was very surprised when I went to Kishinev to hear turkish language spoken amongst Gagauz people I understood nearly %80 of what they were saying I think that gagauz people are turkish tribe from Central Asia who became orthodox Christian

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thanks. It’s a fascinating question. Where exactly do they come from?

[@fourthchute]

This is a great channel.for insights that seem to get little mention or explanation elsewhere.

[@markdowding5737]

Hi Professor, what is your opinion of the ongoing peace talks between Armenia and Azerbaijan? Do you think they will sign a peace deal? If so, what does Russia expect to gain in any possible peace deal? (assuming that peace in the region will inevitably lead to a loss of influence of Russia in the Caucasus)

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thanks. There have been sone really interesting developments in the past few days. I will certainly keep an eye on things.

[@baddolphin1423]

As a romanian I don't understand why the fear of unification. They can visit the majority ethnic magyar regions in Romania as an example. The EU and NATO have imposed large privileges for minorities in Romania, and I see that as a good thing. Also, I live in Dobrogea where we have a sizeable tatar and turk minority which is respected and thrives. Lol, one of my bosses is a turkish-romanian. Maybe they are scared about those trans-satanist-lgb..whatever the russian propaganda screams about. Romania is more conservative, more like Poland, Bulgaria, etc. Those gagauz should watch turkish TV, instead of russian. Hell, a lot of romanian old ladies already do :)) - Kanal D... If they get independence smacked between Ro/Md and Ukr how will that benefit them?

[@giulestinha]

It's the Romanian parliament that has imposed large privileges for minorities in Romania, not EU and NATO. :) But yeah, Romania is regarded as a model in terms of the rights of ethnic minorities, which are quite extensive.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thanks. Good points. But as another commenter pointed out, Romania doesn’t permit territorial autonomy - even if it does grant considerable minority rights. This would have to be explicitly addressed if unification happened. And if it permits continuing autonomy for the Gagauz, it would then be opening the way for others to demand it as well. (Not that I think that is a bad thing.) This might be a too great a worry for Romania. But, equally, I can’t see the Gagauz giving up their current arrangement if unification happened. Something will have to give on one side or the other.

[@baddolphin1423]

@@JamesKerLindsay True. They would give up autonomy and gain much more. In my opinion at least.

[@baddolphin1423]

@@giulestinha The romanian parliament does what the party leader tells. And the party leaders get "recommendations" from EU and NATO leaders. I am very happy with this arrangement since I don't have much trust in romanian politicians. I trust the EU and NATO more.

[@giulestinha]

@@baddolphin1423 There's the Hungarian Party (currently a part of the governing coalition) that represents the interests of the Hungarian minority, they don't really need the EU and NATO to look after them. The rights of the Hungarian minority were for the most part obtained at the beginning of the post-Communist period (when there was no EU and NATO in Romania), and then some more rights were obtained gradually after that.

[@tatarozcan5943]

Гагаузы - турки, турки - гагаузы, одной расы, одного языка и диалекта.Братья говорящие на огузском тюркском, ❤азербайджанском=гагаузском=турецком=туркменском❤

[@daveh893]

For such a small country, Moldova sure has much to deal with. I wonder if the relations with Gagauzia and Transnistria make some Moldovans wish for union with Romania!

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Indeed. And I wonder if the Gagauz really would want to break away at that point. EU citizenship or Russian?

[@shupingwang3392]

Thank you for this very interesting and detailed video ! Best wishes from Berlin.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thank you! Warmest greetings from Cyprus. :-)

[@KarthikAyyalasomayajula]

Thank you so much for this video. I've always been interested in Gagauzia but haven't readily found any good online resources about ut

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thanks. Yes, there is isn’t a lot of readily available information out there, especially on their history.

[@mimisor66]

Is Gagauzia a viable state on its own? Is this situation mostly a result of Russian interference and propaganda? Who stands to gain from this situation? The Gagauz were highly autonomous within Moldova, but as a stand alone state sandwiched between Moldova and Ukraine, how will they fare economically. Unfortunately, they are totally under Russian propaganda and do not think rationally, but emotionally. This is what happens when you let Russian propaganda run freely for 30 years, with no other sources of information available in Russian to those people.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thanks. Great questions. It would be hard to see how independence would really be viable. But it is theoretically possible. There are smaller states, both in territory and population. But it would be only the third enclave state in the world, alongside San Marino and Lesotho. But it would be the only enclaved state with exclaves (parts of its territory in another state.) it would certainly be a very unusual country!

[@eugenegvozdetsky2673]

Ukraine is home to a significant Gagauz minority. Furthermore, in the Taraclia district of Moldova, which serves as a bridge connecting various Gagauz enclaves within the country, Bulgarians hold the majority.

[@joaomartins8758]

Hope the Gagauz get the right to self-determination as it is provided in the 1994 treaty! :)

[@MMerlyn91]

1:07 Well, that's the problem, isn't it? The more supranational entities start to take more power, the more nations lose more power, the more regional units get more bold. It's a shifting sand environment and it's going to keep happening. Also, some states just don't get the writing on the wall. I support both Serbia and Ukraine but none of their responses regarding to Kosovo, Crimea or Donbas helped them. Same with Catalunya, I might add, even though for now Spain seems to have won that one but I don't think it will work on the long term. As a Romanian who supports unification with Moldova, I have to say I really don't understand Gagauzia's position. It's the Stockholm Syndrome all over again, Russia has undermined their language, suppressed their roots, most of the money in those regions is coming from EU (with a huge chunk of investments coming from Romania, yet they still hate our guts) and Turkey (one reason I think Erdogan is a useful "bad guy" from Western perspective, even though his Islamic shtick gets on my nerves) and they still fawn over Russia. Yes, I know, Putin gives them pensions and cheap gas. Is that enough to warrant their hatred of us? I don't think so. Still, Sandu isn't helping right now, in my opinion. Whatever candidate is going to win it's still going to be a pro-Russian one, even if there were frauds, it's just her dispute with Shor. I also don't get Moldova's logic. They receive a lot of economic help from us, they want protection from us in case of a war, yet they keep holding onto two strongly pro-Russian regions rather than support unification with us. Accession into the EU will take probably 10-15 years. It's their choice, after all, but it doesn't make a lot of sense. I shudder to think of what would have happened if Putin reached Odessa. Both Transnistria and Gagauzia would have probably joined his new Soviet Union. Holding onto two regions who would have done that seems pretty weird. On the other hand, no one wants two new Kaliningrads so from that strategic perspective it makes sense.

[@whatsmyusername1231]

Interesting video!

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thank you!

[@TheLocalLt]

Thanks for the video Dr Ker Lindsay! I knew about the short-lived independence but I was unaware they still used Russia as a counterweight to Moldova joining the EU or Romania. It will be fascinating to see what happens in Moldova, of course primarily in Transnistria, but certainly here as well. Of course a few months ago there were rumors of a Russian-backed coup in Chisenau so I suppose anything is probably on the table for an increasingly desperate Russia. Let’s just hope the people of Moldova, who have suffered a great deal, are able to dodge the threat of renewed war. Thanks as always professor!

[@alexden7714]

There will be no war in our Moldova if you don't come to us

[@ianhomerpura8937]

I would have expected Gagauzia to be closer to Turkey. Why Russia?

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thanks. You would think, wouldn’t you? But there has been a really long history of Russification, especially during the z Soviet era. They are now far more Russian than Turkish in orientation and outlook. But it’s interesting that Turkey had been getting more involved and putting in money. But I’m not sure how far it will go. Things seem to have long passed the cultural tipping point. The Gagauz may be happy to take Turkish money, but I’m not sure they will revert to a strong Turkic identity.

[@wallybarker1535]

James - why do you in the modern age label most Pro-Russian narrative as propaganda and rarely (and perhaps never) place any disparaging labels on western media narratives, which these days appear even more questionable than those originating from Russian friendly sources? I enjoy your thoughtful and well research programs on important events, but such labeling undermines your credibility in my eyes and perhaps others.

[@niculescudana115]

BUNICI MEI SUNT , GĂGĂUZI SI EU IUBESC TOȚI GĂGĂUZI ♥️♥️🙏🙏🙏🙏♥️♥️♥️SI AU AVUT PROBLEME CU ,MOLDOVA SI UCRAINA ,SI AU IN CONTINUARE MAIA SANDU VREA SĂ SCOATĂ AUTONOMIA GAGAUZA !!

[@umutkiran3035]

You are Turkic Sun in the world 🈴

[@michealoflaherty1265]

While the culture and even existence of Gagauzia is completely new to me, the pattern of malign Russian influence is all too familiar.

[@TarebossT]

You know what the politicians do there? They take EU money, build roads, buildings and stuff and say that is Russia's money.

[@bilic8094]

Its interesting the location of the people if they side with Russia it could be vital for a future Russian push into that part of europe.

[@marrs1013]

In another comment you said that Europe needs a strong Russia to keep balance. But now you saying that Russia needs all this territory to stage a push into Europe. So how strong exactly Europe needs Russia? We all know by now that Russia will stopped by nothing but a regime change to stop dreaming of world dominance. But watch their performance in the lasr year or so: they just don't have beans. I know you are a Russian troll, and I'm sure this job is better then digging a trench in Bakhmut, but the world is having enough of your employer.

[@meis]

Learning about this after Yevgenia Gutsul visited Russia for the World Youth Festival 2024.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Indeed! I meant to post a comment about that. She seems to be on good terms with Putin.

[@Constantine_Brooks]

What is the reasoning behind the Gagauzians not wanting Romanian reunification? What is there to lose or gain?

[@Constantine_Brooks]

Moldavian culture is about the same as the Romanian. Their economy would still benefit. Access to sea, EU citizenship, development projects, etc. And what do they lose? It's not like Moldavians will turn Russian for them.

[@prs223]

Congratulations for this excellent presentation of the situation, but I have to signal a little error. Moldavia and Wallachia did not unite in 1881, but in 1859. The Kingdom of Romania was proclamed in 1881, indeed, but only because untill 1878 the country was still under Ottoman control (at least in theory). The de facto unification took place earlier. Also, the reoccupation of Bessarabia by the Soviet troops took place in 1940, not in 1941.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Haha! Thanks. If you listen carefully, I said they united, becoming the Kingdom of Romania in 1881. I didn’t say they united in 1881 to become the kingdom of Romania. A small but crucial difference. :-) I did a video on Romania-Moldova unification and so covered this. But sometimes you need to just shorten things to keep the narrative flowing. But I was careful about this.

[@prs223]

@@JamesKerLindsay My fault then, probably my ears were too wide open because of my curiosity and I became too eager to intervene in order to correct something. I`m Romanian and I suffer from a national syndrome, so please don`t take it personaly 😂

[@BalkanMode]

The Gagauz language is almost identical to the Turkish dialect we speak in Bulgaria. There are Gagauz people in Greece and Bulgaria. The only things that separate us is religion and labels. We are Turks they are Gagauz. As long as Gagauz can preserve their language and culture Gagauzia joining the Russian Federation seems to be a better option than becoming a second class minority in any other country of this region. At least Russia has many more fellow Turkic nations in the federation. Joining an Eurasian Union containing sympathetic members is better than joining a European Union full of Turk haters.

[@davismichaelwayne7646]

Are you seriously suggesting Gagauz become part of Russia?

[@BalkanMode]

@@davismichaelwayne7646 Yes.

[@PO.RO.MD.ORT16]

@@davismichaelwayne7646 Yes, so what?

[@fatihersayn7877]

@@BalkanMode Dostum Bulgaristan Türklerinin asimilasyon durumu nedir? Kültür, dil, din ne kadar korunabildi? Gençlerde durum nasıl? Nüfus oranı ve nüfus artışı nasıl? Hala ırkçılık ve düşmanlık var mı Bulgarlarda size karşı?

[@kingket4]

Just curiosity but if you did a video saying pro American problem what would you talk about.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Haha! Good point. But, seriously, the countries that are pro-Western (rather than the less likely distinctly pro-American) tend to be democracies that tend to also have respect for the rule of law and don’t go seizing the territory of neighbouring states. For Moldova, these issues are very serious. It faces a threat from Russia that it simply doesn’t face from the EU or NATO.

[@kingket4]

You say rule of law but from what goes on in the west always try to do a regime change in the name of democracy in a part of a world we’re there are different rules and mind sets, isn’t that forcing a mindset on others? Isn’t that also breaking the other country’s rule of law?

[@muslimresponse103]

interesting! so basically no matter what religion the turkic people follow be it the Turkish Muslims, Hungarian Catholics or Gaguzian orthodox christians, they somehow find a way to anger the “west” and show at least some respect for the Russians. lol

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Haha! Put like that. :-) Seriously, though, it is interesting - and rather sad - to see how Russified the Gagauz have become. Essentially, they speak Russian now.

[@muslimresponse103]

@@JamesKerLindsay for most people, in most cases, religion comes first and then culture/language and ethnic heritage. that is probably why the Gagauz people feel closer to Russia because it is seen as an orthodox christian country and the protector of their religion. I myself put faith in Allah/God and my religion - islam first, before anything else and I say this this as a white European Muslim revert from atheism, brought up in England with a British culture but being ethnically Albanian.

[@peterwilliams2152]

@@JamesKerLindsay So you'd be happy if they were Molavanised? Like it or not, the dominant culture usually wins out, eventually, but not always.

[@christopherellis2663]

Russian Fairytales. They would be treated the same as the Qırım Tatar. Alternatively, they could move to Dubrogea 🇷🇴 PS the Gagauz are also in Lithuania and Poland

[@MrRocketguitar]

Stop their EU funding and boot them out

[@evgenysinin]

It is very professional opinion about situation. There is not any simple solution of Gagauzia`s case.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thank you very much. There certainly isn’t a simple solution. But one can see why Moldova is very nervous about the situation.

[@nicolaipetrov8343]

Вы сделали неплохой материал, но не полный. Вся суть взаимоотношений между Кишинёвом и Гагаузией прописано в Законе( договоре) от 1994 года принятый Парламентом Молдовы. Вы возьмите этот Закон и прочитайте, там всё написано. Римское право гласит- Договора должны соблюдаться. Проблема в том,что власти Кишинёва непрерывно отнимают у нас права данные этим законом,а Европа делает вид что не видеть этого.Мы не хотим больше прав чем тех, что прописаны в Законе от 1994 года. Мы не сепаратисты,а люди которые отстаивают свои права. Пора это понять. Мы знаем гагаузский, говорим на русском, некоторые владеют молдавским.Вообще язык это выдуманная проблема. Есть такая независимая страна Ирландия, в которой преподавание в школе и делопроизводство в госструктурах ведется на английском языке, но от этого они меньше ирландцами не стали.Это дело людей и государства( автономии) использовать тот язык который им нравится. А дело больших народов и стран уважать права малочисленных народов, если они претендуют на звание демократических.

[@freeman4899]

why Kosovians are good guys and Transnisdrian and Gagauzian are bad guys , is it because not agree with west ? Basically both the cases are same ?

[@83cosdino]

The declaration of the new governor doesn't leave much to the imagination. Given this decision is taken after Moldova became an official accession member of the EU, it looks to me that the main reason is that the Gagauz politians do not want to see a EU future and instead they prefer a Russian one. One more example how territorial autonomy for a small minority can be dangerous if this is abused by a powerful country or nationalist politicians.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Maybe. But the alternative was a situation like Transnistria, where Russian forces are still stationed and where there is a de facto state. I’d say this situation is still preferable to that one.

[@83cosdino]

@@JamesKerLindsay preferable yes, but it can open the can of worms. Despite of what is happening in Moldova, Ukraine and Georgia, I am still surprised how peaceful the situation is in the Baltic states. EU membership might have helped?

[@dragosmoloiu3961]

Unirea cu Romania e inevitabila. Problema e alata noi romanii habar nu avem despre acesti gaguzi

[@jj-eg5up]

First time viewing your channel . I very much enjoyed the information. Thank you.

[@Stikkelsbær]

I would think the best solution in the future would be to establish some sort of federated state, with at least 3-4 official languages. Switzerland's constitution could serve as one possible example. So could Canada's. The government of Moldova could fund media and education in multiple languages to offset external influence while fostering autonomy within a common state. Actual unification with Romania would be tempting for a large portion of Moldovans, but I can see why some minorities would fear that. I took a post-Soviet poli. sci. class during my undergrad in the early 2000s. We were assigned report projects on former SSRs. I was given Moldova, which I had never heard of at the time. I learned a lot, even if the prof of that class was a bit of a jerk.

[@davismichaelwayne7646]

I'd think that solution is unfeasible with Russian active measures omnipresent in the region.

[@Stikkelsbær]

@@davismichaelwayne7646 For now, yes. I was thinking long-term.

[@nonsequitor]

What a fascinating story! I felt great sympathy for the Gagaouz people until the part where they voted overwhelmingly to increase ties with Russia vs the EU after 2014.... At least that makes it morally easy now! I fully support their independence. Good luck with Russia and goodbye. Just don't ask for help later. Sucks for Moldova too but good riddance really. You're best off without gangrenous limbs.

[@lukajolich7669]

This is how I see it going: "We want to join Russia!" *Gets sent to fight in Ukraine* "Wait, not like that!"

[@nonsequitor]

@@lukajolich7669 yup 🙌.... Or, more optimistically, thanks to all that EU infrastructure, they might just reverse-brexit themselves into the EU after all.

[@rob_101]

Would you please make a video about border disputes and geo-politics in South Asia?

[@gagetolinwrites6845]

This sounds like it could turn into an Abkhazia or South Ossetia situation. Wherein, Russia effectively takes advantage of the principle of self-determination to create a puppet state (They love to use Kosovo as an example).

[@bilic8094]

They honestly have the right after kosovo if one side could do it why can't the other.

[@giulestinha]

No it could not. Russia borders those Georgian regions, while Gagauzia borders Ukraine, a country that's in conflict with Russia. Russia has no means to physically influence things in Gagauzia.

[@lukajolich7669]

​@B Ilic The difference is Albanian Kosovars were facing literal genocide and ethnic cleansing, whereas Russia simply goes "oh no! Russian colonists aren't given preferential treatment! Time to invade!" Also, unlike in Kosovo, Russia annexs these regions into itself instead of letting them actually be independent.

[@bilic8094]

@@lukajolich7669 Putin says the same thing that Russia went in to stop the genocide of ethnic Russians in Ukraine at the hands of the kiev regime so don't complain now.

[@koksalceylan9032]

Gagauzia is a Turkic people and they dont whant to be part of the Gypcy Moldavia nor Romania. That's there richt

[@hantykje3005]

@Professor James Ker-Lindsay: Suggesting a new topic for a future episode: If Russia's invasion of Ukraine scared Sweden and Finland into NATO. Could the same invasion contribute to scare Norway into the EU? There are increasing voices in Norwegian public debate on a third referendum. The two previous were in 1972 and 1994. Firstly because nobody born after 1976 have been given a chance to have a say in this question. Secondly because of the pandemic, where it was Sweden that gave Norway access to the European vaccine program. Thirdly because of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, with Norway now the more or less only supplier of Oil and gas to Europe. A possible fourth reason could be Brexit and the turmoil that followed.

[@helloicanseeu2]

tyty, very informative geopolitics analysis

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thanks so much.

[@realtalk6195]

12:00 You left out the part where the corrupt oligarch fled to _Israel_ specifically. He's a Jewish Moldovan national with at least triple citizenship-Israeli, Moldovan and Russian. Moldova and Gagauzia can coexist in harmony if the GUAM free-trade area goes through. It will see Georgia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan and Moldova forming essentially a common economic area. This will keep Moldova distinct from Romania but also economically and politically better off which is something all Moldovans want. Some Gagauzian politicians may oppose it but since it's a completely separate project from the EU, that opposition will have no legs to stand on. It would make its members stronger and would weaken Russia's ability to bully each of them economically and politically.

[@cgt3704]

Fun fact: in romanian, there is a word simmilar to gagauz. Its "găgăuță" which means "dumbass". I couldnt find a clear corelation between the word and the people group,but its possible this was made as a stereotype for these turkic people.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thanks. Sounds plausible. And hardly likely to endear the Gagauz to the unification cause.

[@cgt3704]

@@JamesKerLindsay well it may be. Since historically Romanians didnt have a great opinion of the Gagauz. Despite sharing the same religion, the turkic roots made the romanians view them as ottoman moles. As such tried to turn them into romanians, and since the gagauz didnt have a written languange, the assimilation proved to be easy. An example is the fact that before there were some gagauz communities in the region of Dobruja until they became romanianised. So this is likely the reason why the gagauz are so anti-romanian and as a consequence, look to Russia or Turkey for protection

[@CevherVolkan]

In Turkey Romanians and Moldovians are considered escort nation how about that ?

[@olivka7560]

Great analysis. I have a question regarding Ukraine, do you even see it possible for Ukraine to have a Well functioning country if it was to retake Donbas which for 8 years has been in a civil war with Ukraine? Also Crimea? I recently watched a reported in Crimea interviewing people and even some Tatars were saying they would defend themselves from Ukrainians and some lady was saying she is ok sitting in a bunker just not to be with Ukraine. If I hear things like that Im thinking they would either have civil war again, or they would have to deport whole population or just persecuted them or slaughter them, any of these is not a good solution.

[@sababugs1125]

​@badofi Crimean Tatars don't like Russia

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thanks. Great question! This is a problem in every conflict. So much will depend on how things are handled after the war. It will be a complex process built on reconciliation, reconstruction and an effective early warning system that highlights emerging issues and tensions and a crisis management system that tackles any flare ups. There has been a lot of experience on this elsewhere. It can be managed. But it needs to be managed carefully. It may also require sone sort of external peacekeeping or monitoring mission. Russia might want to be involved. I doubt this would be acceptable. And I’m not sure the UN could be involved either, as Ukraine may see this as a limit on its sovereignty. But the OSCE could certainly play a role.

[@vgames6792]

@@JamesKerLindsay Ridiculous, "peacekeeping or monitoring mission" France and Germany as guarantors of Minsk accords had 8years for that they did not do that, and even said publicly(Holland, Merkel) they never intended to keep that deal. This is 100% manufactured, 100% provoked, 100% avoidable war

[@vgames6792]

Ukraine is on its 3rd army(original, Kharkov/Cherson "offensive", new/old west made equipment army). Only way Ukraine will take those regions is, if NATO will get involved directly. Or "coalition of willing/Poles" how neocons like to call it. And even THEN, it is not guaranteed. Latest escalation F-16, after that is just NATO involvement and nukes

[@sababugs1125]

@@vgames6792 NATO would wipe the floor with Russia

[@terryfox9344]

Very well done! Thanks for the information on this mess. Looking at a map, this land is a geographical disaster, surrounded on all sides by people that it considers enemies. It has ZERO future with Russia or any Russian-led associations. Given these folks phobias about Romania, Ukraine might be their best option as a practical matter. Perhaps Turkey could help them in some way. It is always nice to hear that the convicted bank robber is spending some of the money stolen from Moldova to support Russians against his victims, the Moldovan people. May a just God give him what he truly deserves.

[@merocaine]

There is a 4th option, outside powers could militarily defeat the State and force the succession by force, as in Kosovo and Ukraine.

[@moritamikamikara3879]

Ok Muscovite.

[@merocaine]

@@moritamikamikara3879 Just pointing out this is what happened in Kosovo, and is currently happening in Ukraine.

[@AmricanEagl]

@@merocaine Ukrainian people revolted and overthrew their corrupt pro Russian government, then elected a new government that represents the people! What is wrong with that?! Maybe you russkies find this controversial because you never revolt and change your tyrant you live like slaves licking his boots until he die then you create another tyrant and start the cycle over again. That doesn’t mean Ukrainians should live like you!

[@vgames6792]

@@moritamikamikara3879 they are two ways to be fooled: one is to believe lies, and two is not to accept the truth. You should overcome your indoctrination, and start using your brain again.

[@RobespierreThePoof]

Russia could do this. Superficially, it sounds like it fit the new imperialist agenda in Moscow. However, they have no reason to do so. If you look at the map of Gagauzia, you'll see that it isn't even an contiguous area. It's tiny. It offers no strategic advantage. It offers no resources. Russia has what it wants in Moldova in Transnistria - a barrier to Moldova joining the EU and NATO and a strategic foothold on the Dniester River. As for the Kosovo comparison, there's no genocide and no risk of genocide in Gagauzia or Moldova. Nor has the situation ever spilled over into inter-ethnic violence. So that comparison falls flat. In a different time, Turkey might have considered getting involved in Gagauzia, but not with recent events in Ukraine right next door.

[@beyourselfbrave4115]

They're a small majority, they can't have their own country, they simply should integrate either with Moldova, Turkey or Bulgaria. If they want to be independent can they sustain themselves!!?? Obviously not as everything is connected to Moldova.... Many Hungarians live on west side of Romania, they want to make that part Hungarian , that's not possible, if they really want that , none stops them to move and live to Hungary as many of them did ! They can't ask for something that's not working or can be independent! Some people are too stubborn to believe otherwise , let them dream ! 😴😴

[@mat_j]

Moldova has pro west problem

[@fuguthefish]

east* ;)

[@mat_j]

@@fuguthefish nope

[@moritamikamikara3879]

​@@mat_jnope 😂

[@fuguthefish]

@@mat_j nope

[@mat_j]

@@moritamikamikara3879 that's right

[@ARE_YOU_SICK_OF_YT_CENSORSHIP]

5:17 Bessarabia was annexed by the USSR in July 1940, not 1941 because in July 1941 its hands were full with fending off the German invasion

[@ChuckAmadi]

Stalin's playbook of Russofing annexed Nations and buss loading Russians and expelling or making it extremely difficult to speach your natural tongue, a No, plain and simple. The Crimean Tatars should have their say not the bus loaded Crimean Russians period.

[@CM_Burns]

anything pro-Russia is always a problem for this NATO shill 😂😂😂

[@JamesKerLindsay]

You really don’t have to watch. There are plenty of crank pro-Russian channels out there.

[@Omnigreen]

+15 rubles

[@CM_Burns]

@@JamesKerLindsay you should at least say you are pro EU and pro NATO

[@joqqeman]

@@CM_Burns would that really make you any less likely to troll with whatever nonsense you can come up with?

[@Dragon-hb8dc]

@@JamesKerLindsay Wy do you think being pro Russian is the problem ?

[@rampage241]

Thank you so much for this! I love how you cover many obscure, lesser known places. Cheers

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thank you! :-)

[@papazataklaattiranimam]

Free Gagauzia 😍

[@islammehmeov2334]

You do realize gagauz are russian slavic not TURKIC )

[@papazataklaattiranimam]

@@islammehmeov2334 🤓

[@islammehmeov2334]

@@papazataklaattiranimam don't look at me like that you now it too they are more slaves then TURKIC 😉

[@sufthegoat]

🇲🇩 gotta fight like helll

[@erikvynckier4819]

Join Russia!

[@DacianRider]

never

[@amirkhattabfernandez2439]

Thanks!

[@amirkhattabfernandez2439]

Love your content!

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thank you so much. I am so incredibly sorry I didn’t reply sooner. I have only just seen this. (KZbin really is terrible at notifications.) That really was incredibly kind of you. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate the support. And my sincerest apologies again for the delayed thank you. Very best regards, James

[@pam1974argentina]

Thank for the video from Argentina.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thanks so much. Warmest greetings from London! :-)

[@vgshwk]

Being landlocked what advantages do they have being pro Russian? The neighboring countries just have to deny Russia to fly over their airspace.

[@angelobkoljenovic9528]

I enjoy your videos and knowledge of world politics.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thank you so much! Really appreciated. :-)

[@parkercroft8598]

I don't know much about modifiable but what I read and here the young woman there she dose one great job and modovia is a country that needs it independance

[@alexandru5369]

As a Bessarabian ("Moldovan) enjoy you brought this up. Yeah this region is a far larger problem as Transnistria will be settled when Moldova can get better energy prices from elsewhere as Transnistria only functions through free gas ( that they use the excess revenue from too sell us electricity and , until recently, through smuggling it's on borrowed time as long as politicians in Bessarabia don't get kickbacks from them in the future) Thius region is a pain as they were given unjust autonomy (against the constitution mind you) out of b.s. appeasement. They are our poorest region that contributes nothing./ Don't know why it's put up with. They were very disrespectful too our current president as well

[@pjhgerlach]

Let's be honest, Transnistria never was autonomous but simple an Russian occupied piece of Moldova.

[@PO.RO.MD.ORT16]

Piece of Moldova*

[@pjhgerlach]

@@PO.RO.MD.ORT16 oops. Thanks for that.

[@robo__cop8154]

for people wondering how will gagauzia prosper and have ties with russia when there's no connection with them ,here's the simple answer after this conflict is over russia will take the entire coast of ukraine as it has a large pro russia population once the entire port of odeaas is taken ,it will essentially provide a land bridge to transnistria and gagauzia ,then it will be upto those regions if they want to join or not as it is permitted in theri constitution ,russia already supports transnistria gagauzia will join later

[@ryanpatrick4920]

Most countries that have a significant minority population, that is centralized in a border location of the existing country, would be better off in letting them go entirely. Especially if the well-meaning autonomy play backfires. If ridding themselves of Gagauzia, will allow Moldovia to join Romania, and fast track into the EU, then that is the best option. The Gagauzian's will learn the hard way, that coming under the Russian sphere of influence, culture, and military cooperation offers only hardship with no real benefit in return. Moldova should unburden itself from the districts of Transnistria that have majority Ukrainians and Russians, and give those regions to Ukraine to see if they can handle those districts once they finish beating up Russia.

[@Wiibiplay]

But Transnistria doesn't want to be part of Ukraine, only Russia.

[@timtowers7997]

They may be pro-Russian, but it's very much a case of "all mouth, no trousers." Plenty of locals have returned to Gagauzia when the war started, rather than face mobilization and fighting for Russia. Also they are a relatively small minority group, approx 140,000, compared to Transnistria (470,000) in a country with a pop. of 2.615 million. Without active and perceived potential support from Russia they will stay part of Moldova. There maybe some protests and sabreOnly Ukraine's defeat will change the situation.

[@catalinuss]

They are a population of 140000 on papers. Half of them have emigrated, mostly in EU countries. Of the remaining half, most of them make long queues to the Romanian and Bulgarian consulates, demanding these citizenships. Gagauz are a recent population on the current territory of Republic of Moldova. They were settled there by the Russian empire, being expelled from the territory of Bulgaria, in the 19th century. Something that today would be called ethnic cleansing. It's odd to see that a population that was a victim of the Russian empire, being linguistically assimilated by them, support Russia's interests. It may be the Stockholm syndrome. Neither their history, neither their current status, neither their numbers justifies their independence. They are supported and used by Russia.

[@Stamboul]

As a Romanian who favors unification with the Republic of Moldova, I am also strongly opposed to annexing Gagauzia (or the east bank of the Dniester). I not only want them to hold that promised independence referendum in case of unification, I want them to vote in favor of independence. An independent Gagauzia would be Russophile, but it would also be a small, landlocked country surrounded by Russoskeptic neighbors and with no economy to speak of; its continued viability would depend on Ukrainian and Romanian goodwill, so rhetorical genuflection towards Moscow would amount to very little in practice. And that's my opinion as someone who knows something about Gagauzia. Most Romanians seem to know little or nothing about it, which is part of our broader ignorance about the situation beyond the Prut. It's bewildering how Russia has convinced the Gagauz that there's some sort of Romanian-Gagauz ethnic conflict. A lot of Romanians oppose unification for economic reasons; a lot of the irredentists who want to restore Greater Romania are ignorant of the Gagauz people and seem to care more about how a territory looks like on a map than who lives there; and a lot of the more intellectual irredentists, who I have to admit are more informed by comparison, are also more ideologically inclined towards Russia, funnily enough. (I don't count myself as an irredentist; I aspire to unification with Moldova but oppose annexing any territory that cannot be obtained legally.)

[@bigozimak]

Sometimes I think we should just Balkanize all of Europe! 😂

[@killer0095]

I would love if you and Dylan Burns got a chance to talk. You're both very familiar with foreign affairs.

[@jivkotodorov84]

The gagauz I know in Bulgaria told me that they speak gagauz and russian, who is lingua franka in Moldova