ROMANIA-MOLDOVA | Could They Unite?

As the war in Ukraine continues, attention has turned to neighbouring Moldova - one of the least known countries in Europe. Facing considerable economic, political and now security problems, there have been growing calls for unification with neighbouring Romania in recent years. But could this really happen?
Hello and welcome! My name is James Ker-Lindsay. Here I take an informed look at International Relations with a focus on territorial conflicts, secession, independence movements and new countries. If you like what you see, please do subscribe. If you want more, including exclusive content and benefits, consider becoming a channel member. Many thanks!
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While we (incorrectly) tend to think of countries as national homelands, there are some nations that find themselves divided into two separate countries where they exist in a majority. In effect, a national homeland becomes divided. In many cases, they learn to live a separate existence - and may even develop a wholly separate identity. But sometimes there are calls for unification. Romania and Moldova are a good example. Having once been known as Bessarabia, a part of the Principality of Moldavia, Moldova was ceded to Russia in the early nineteenth century. However, in 1918, it was reunited with what was then the Kingdom of Romania. In 1940, the Soviet Union retook the territory, proclaiming the Moldavian Soviet Socialist Republic. However, with the end of the USSR, in 1991, the Republic of Moldova came into being. This in turn led to calls for union with neighbouring Romania. But could this reunification really happen? While there is certainly support for the idea in both countries, there are many economic, political, social and international factors that need to be taken into account. Ultimately, union - in one form or another - is very possible.
CHAPTERS
0:00 Introduction and Titles
0:31 Kin States in International Relations
1:24 Background to Romania and Moldova
2:02 Romania and Moldova: A Short History
3:22 Romania and Moldova: USSR and After
5:08 Moldovan Attitudes Towards Unification
7:27 Romanian Attitudes Towards Unification
8:52 Wider Issues: The EU and Transnistria
10:36 Could Romania and Moldova Unite?
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FURTHER READING & USEFUL SOURCES
Moldova Ministry of Foreign Affairs mfa.gov.md/en
Romania Ministry of Foreign Affairs www.mae.ro/en
Constitution of Moldova www.presedinte.md/app/webroot...
Moldovan Identity and the Politics of Pan-Romanianism doi.org/10.2307/2501297
Moldova: A History amzn.to/3rKcShD
In Search of Romania amzn.to/36DLp9P
A Concise History of Romania amzn.to/3xM51nn
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KEYWORDS
#Moldova #Romania #Unification
#InternationalPolitics #CurrentAffairs #InternationalRelations
#Statehood #Independence #InternationalLaw #InternationalHistory
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[@alexandersohn569]

My parents are from Moldova, I was born and raised in Moldova after they fled the war in Transnistria. The reunification is my biggest dream.

[@niculaevisan4798]

@@mishkosimonovski23 You said above that you are from Macedonia. What is the truth, after all? Aren't you just a troll?

[@YujiroHanmaaaa]

@@niculaevisan4798 He is russian. Ive seen all his comments and he is pro Putin

[@D.A.R.89]

@Stefan Markovski what history with russian minority? Transnistria was given to Moldova by Russia in 1940 and it rebelled after Moldova declared independence. They are autonomous and dont want to have anything to do with Moldova

[@friendlyneighborhoodromani7980]

I am currently in the USA and both my parents are from Moldova. I may have been born here but the sentiment here is also very strong for reunification. It too is one of my biggest dreams and i hope it can come, if not now than maybe in my lifetime. That would bring great joy to my world. Also that profile picture is so hilarious and true.

[@YujiroHanmaaaa]

@@D.A.R.89 russia didnt exist as a country in 1940

[@slu8269]

I am Hungarian from Transilvania and I hope one day that România Mare will come true. Without Moldova there is piece of our Romanian heart missing.

[@ionutmihax8510]

First time when I read such an opinion! Are you sure that you are hungarian from Transylvania?

[@vatravlahilor492]

I am a romanian born in Transylvania too and I love hungarians and I am proud that people like you exist in our country

[@cafta]

@@vatravlahilor492 I am also from Transilvania, I would respect the hell out of the OP and I am pro union !

[@irinagabriela6104]

I am partly Csango and partly Hungarian. And I also hope one day România Mare will come true! 🤗

[@cafta]

@@irinagabriela6104 koszi 😙

[@Migo78]

I am a Romanian from Bucharest, with ancestors from Wallachia and Moldova. I strongly support the reunification of the Romanian and Moldovan brothers!

[@adelinad3513]

I support it too but without nato expansion attached to this deal

[@MihaiRUdeRO]

@@adelinad3513 What NATO expansion? Romania is a voluntary member of NATO, so if reunification happens, it will happen under the Romanian state. Moldova is an artificial country created by soviets

[@SIMONREMISH]

@@MihaiRUdeROwow wow care dracu tara falsa creata de sovietici? republica moldova a aparut in 1917 dupa ce s-au dezlipit de imperiul rus.

[@happybrit8585]

Moldova should unify with Romania for its own protection against Russia ,.

[@boombang857]

As a Serb, I welcome this union. Mult succes, fraților!

[@chris200830]

Thank you so much, Serbian brother :)

[@gordonpi8674]

Cool, now let’s see if Romanians will support reunification of Serbia and Croatia, as they are also same kin, same nation and same language with 2 scripts, Cyrillic and Latin.

[@boombang857]

@@gordonpi8674 The tragic events at Jasenovac concentration camp during World War II and the displacement of over 300,000 Serbs during Operation Storm in the 1990s - It doesn't seem like a good way to build trust and promote unification. It is important to note that Serbs did try to unify Southern Slavs in the past, but these efforts have been met with resistance from various parties, including Croats. In other words, we have a better chance of finding a unicorn that poops gold than of making that happen.

[@gordonpi8674]

@@boombang857 hmm, it will be possible when the generations shift, and when some new Croatians see the dark side of the history and apologize to the Serbs. It’s already happening between Croatian youth when they are interviewed in media. When they replace the old nationalists in every level of the society, then it will happen. And it will be sooner than you think.

[@danirumano3019]

Respect!In regiune ne-am purtat ca frații pãnă nu au venit alții să bage zâzanie.Aceasta Este atitudinea!Mult respect si sănătate multă!

[@just_julie]

As a Romanian I'm all for it! Although it is up to Moldova as we recognize their sovereignty.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thanks. I agree. It has got to be a consensual agreement.

[@just_julie]

@@JamesKerLindsay from what I heard on the news the problem is that there's a slight majority of pro Russia so it will be hard to win those one over...Transnistria situation doesn't make things better,and if something will happen Romania will not send military personnel over to avoid further escalations.We're going to be in the middle,it's also bad if Russia gains control over Odessa and makes the "connection" between Transnistria and Ukraine...the situation in the Black Sea will be quite tensionate to say the least.

[@blankabb1289]

@@JamesKerLindsay They can't get the majority because the russian Secret services FSB ancient KGB implanted lies in their schools lies to keep the moldavians under their feets and imported Russians and ukrainians and gaugauzians in Moldova ,they also deported Moldovians in Siberian Gulags back in Stalin times

[@MsCristea]

@@just_julie There is no pro-Russian majority in Moldova. The results from the latest presidential and parliamentary elections are proof to that.

[@just_julie]

@@MsCristea I agree Maya Sandu is very pro Europe which is great....but you have to admit that there are pro Russia supporters(too many if you'd ask me).

[@linksab9568]

As a Romanian who lives in the eastern part or Romania, a region called Moldova (which was half of the original Moldavian kingdom), I support and have worked for helping our Kin State. Sending books, medicine and investments. If we unite on map matters less than knowing that we are the same people group who is only devided because of reasons outside of our control. Much love to my Eastern Siblings 🇷🇴❤️🇲🇩

[@kamipersonal2687]

👏👏👏👏

[@Zen-sx5io]

Nice pfp.

[@blabla-rg7ky]

"If we unite on map matters less than knowing that we are the same people group who is only devided because of reasons outside of our control. Much love to my Eastern Siblings" ... exactly! I realize that being officially united makes things feel complete, but even so, Moldavians and Romanians are the same, no matter what anyone says. Moldavians speak Romanian (have spoken it since ever), they have the same beliefs and traditions, they think and feel like us, so whoever says that Moldavians are not Romanians is probably ill-intended

[@SouIkey]

after unification country will be called Romania or Moldova ? imho should be Moldova because its much older

[@inshot3885]

@@SouIkey Kingdom of Romania say something ?

[@guseila]

Greetings from the USA, as an American/Romanian I am supporting the unification! 🇺🇸🇲🇩🇷🇴

[@MoldovanNationalist]

Țigan immigrant

[@MoldovanNationalist]

@Aldoma-up8od romanians are gypsies from Moldova

[@mihaliprefti2507]

That is possible and safe only if Romania gets out of NATO.

[@cristiangaban960]

As a Romanian , I can't clearly give an answer, I'm not for it or against reunification as I'm aware it implies so many things that need to be taken into consideration. But I'm totally for helping Moldova and Moldovan people in any situation .I've worked for several years with many people from Moldova and it was a very pleasant experience. I have nothing but respect and love for them.

[@youtubemodsaresnowflakelef7692]

This is exactly why I think it's bullshit that Russia wants to "invade" Transnistria. Transnistria has tried in the past to join with Russia, including holding a referendum in 2006, whereas Russia has mediated between Transnistria and Moldova so they could join together again, as a federation, with autonomy etc for Transnistria. Russia knows that if it had accepted the referendum etc it would make Moldova, a nation friendly to Russia, turn away from Russia and try to rejoin Romania (it's an artificial state anyway, and "Moldovan" is a fake ethnicity.. most people living there are Romanians). So if they had wanted that dirt poor shithole, they would have taken it years ago without a fight. So why do this now? And then why have some general make ap ress conference about an "invasion"????

[@cristiangaban960]

@@youtubemodsaresnowflakelef7692 Moldova was always under the Russian influence and corrupted by Russian appointed officials. Now it seems Moldova is moving towards the West and Russia has lost much of the grip it had on it. Transnistria is a lost cause anyway. I highly doubt that Moldova has any claims on Transnistria. Russia didn't do many things before because they could just make use of corruption without a need for taking over. Why didn't they take Crimea before , which is far more important than Transnistria ? Same reason. And please, do not refer to Moldova in those words.

[@SelfReflective]

As a Romanian explain to us are the Moldovans a separate ethnic group or are they Romanians? Can you imagine Rom and Mol uniting?

[@ddoumeche]

Romania would be draw into problems

[@Archonsx]

@@SelfReflective moldovans ARE romanians, the whole territory was stolen from us long ago, also moldovans are speaking perfect romanian, which proves that even more.

[@axinteandrei2407]

Romanian here. The support in Romania for unification would go up to 70 - 80% percent in a referendum. Followed all the polls these years. In Moldova the unionist sentiment went up from about 10% to about 45 - 50% in a few years. And it will go up still, I believe.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thanks a lot. It is interesting to see how support for unification does seem to have risen in Moldova. I wonder if the conflict in Ukraine might push it up further? And it is really interesting to hear you say that it could go as high as 70-80% in Romania. I was in Romania recently and speaking with some leading historians. They felt support was nowhere near that high. People say that they might want it, but when confronted with the reality and the practical issues support is actually rather low. It would be interesting to hear why you think it is so high.

[@andresmartinezramos7513]

@@JamesKerLindsay As an example, I am a Spanish republican, I want Spain to be a republic. Do I want it as soon as possible? Yes Are there more pressing matters? Yes Are there more pressing political matters? Yes Sometimes it is best to sort out your home before taking care of the garden

[@axinteandrei2407]

@@JamesKerLindsay I have a lot of thoughts as I follow this for a long time. Here I go You were speaking with historians, so highly educated people, but their view might not necessarily be relevant for the society as whole who has a shorter attention span. I am from Western Moldova, (Romania) I live on the border with Moldova. We call those from R. of Moldova "moldoveni". And we call ourselves "moldoveni" as well, but weirdly enough the rural population from Moldova region of Romania is less inclined to support a union with Moldova across Prut. To this day, my parents say: "I bought something from the russian ladies from the market." "Rain is coming from the russians". They mean R. of Moldova. Across Prut River was Russia in the communist times and they still refer the land as such. They know it's not the case anymore, but don't care to change their wording. However, in big cities, where the population is better educated, the support for union can go up to 90%. Overall most polls point at ~ 70% for the re-union in Romania (www.romaniajournal.ro/society-people/poll-most-romanians-want-union-with-the-r-of-moldova-consider-that-romania-must-remain-in-the-eu/). In the case of a referendum, with some propaganda, it can easily reach 80%. Those who are against it are not fanatically against (unlike in Moldova). They will not protest, any referendum will pass flying in Romania. The people you spoke with know about practicalities but for the overall society, they don't understand that. Practicality as a trait, is almost inexistent in Eastern Europe anyway. They only know they will have to pay a price and are willing to do it. When I was at school in the 90s and 2000s the map on the wall displayed Romania and Moldova. Some Weather broadcast on TV still do the same and there is this perception in Romania that they are the same as us, only conquered by Russia.

[@axinteandrei2407]

In Moldova, the situation is different. In the 2000s it was said that the unionist sentiment was as low as 4-5%. So only those historian dreamers who never forgot. But it has steadily rosen from that moment. I think there are some reasons: 1. In 2009 Moldova ousted the Communist Party from power and elected a pro-european majority. But they were just as corrupt as the pro russians. Then in 2016 they chose Dodon who took bribes on camera and was talking about serving the Russian Federation under the Kremlinovich codename. So people from Moldova lost any faith in their statehood and started to view Romania as an option. So in Romania the unionist feeling is based on nationalistic sentiment, in Moldova is more oportunistic. 2. Former president of Romania, Traian Băsescu made a historic decision in giving them the opportunity to acquire romanian citizenship in a simplified way. Some moldovans were shocked in communist times to meet romanian people and immediately befriend them, because they were told by russian propaganda that romanians are savage, fascists, you name it. So when they became citizens of Romania, they noticed that unlike Moldova, Romania made some big economic improvements (Romania was below Moldova's level in 1990). So a lot of them are living in Romania now (my former gf has a salary 4-5 times higher compared to Moldova) and do support a union. A lot of them went to Italy and Spain (bc of the language) and even UK. They are out of Russia's information space, they told their relatives in Moldova that Europe is way ahead of Russia in economic terms. So the european and romanian sentiment rose up. 3. Romania built some 1000 schools, donated all kind of stuff, including recently Covid vaccines. That was visible in the public space and a lot of Moldovans are grateful for not being forgotten. They say that Russia did not provide anything but promises and are fed up. 4. The old soviet generation is slowly replaced by a new one. The younger population is leaning towards Europe and Romania way more than the old folks. 5. Moldovan diaspora and romanian diaspora are somehow melting together. There is a sentiment of unity between them and the polls from Moldova are including only those people inside the country. For example, moldovan diaspora voted 92% vor Maia Sandu (pro Europe) in 2020. Pro Europe does not mean pro Romania, but it's a trend. In the case of a referendum for re-unification diaspora might swing the overall vote to an extra 10% for the Union. So it might go above 50% in Moldova as well. But as said, those who are against in Moldova will rise up.

[@axinteandrei2407]

Interestingly, current moldovan president Maia Sandu is well beloved in Romania and a lot of people would want her as Romania's president. She was asked in 2016 how she feels about re-union between MD and RO. She said she would vote "Yes" on a referendum (YT: /watch?v=T_pRA4Hu_cA). And then she lost because of this statement. Pro-russian Dodon managed to convince a lot of undecided people to vote against her because she wants the "dissolution" of beloved Moldova. She won by a small margin in Moldova proper, but votes from Transnistria and Gagauzia came in and she lost. She won in 2020, but now she does not state the support for union directly. She still speaks about the union as a "deziderat" so as something positive, to be desired, but does not state it directly in order not to anger some of the population. Moldova is undergoing major changes regarding its massive vulnerability towards Russia. All of Moldova's gas and electricity came from Russia and Transnistria. Maia Sandu's regime is changing that as we speak: they are connecting to the european networks. I'm not sure about legal issues or popular support, but the fact that Moldova could be out of gas and electricity over night was preventing any union until now. Russia might help by cutting all gas from 1st of May 2022. Former president of Romania said that the union could happen under Helsinki 1975 Treaty: any change of border should be done only by peaceful means. So vote in referendum or Parliament. Some politicians are really prepared to ignore Europe's objections (if they exist) and go with it, but it lacks the overwhelming support in Moldova still. And Romania, despite its modern diplomacy (that is they say they only support Moldova's european path, and do not speak about "our holy lands" in a balkan nationalistic way), I feel they actually went for winning the support of Moldova's people for a potential re-unification long term. Not only because of nationalistic sentiment but some of Romania's politicians see a big potential in Moldova's agriculture and fresh water resources. Also in terms of security, moving the border to the Dniester and having a bigger population (and votes in some european institutions). Romania see any downside as acceptable, especially sooner rather than later, because they count on EU funding to raise Moldova out of extreme poverty before Romania reaches closer to the EU average in terms of standards of living (about 2035 - that means fewer EU money after that). Moldova is not big burden like East Germany, it only has about 3 millions people, a lot of them already working in Europe. It also does not have the biggest expectations right away. The war in Ukraine is a major event for Moldova as well. They could be occupied in a single night and they know it. Russia didn't win any new supporters in Moldova, but still there will be a lot of people actually greeting them with flowers even now. But they are fewer and fewer. And if Russia does not reach Moldova's border, I think this is it. Russia will lose almost all of its influence there. Now the goal of joining EU seems possible (it seemed impossible pre-invasion), so the re-union with Romania won't be felt as necessary as before and support for it might drop again as EU integration seems closer. Any talks about re-unification or joining EU perhaps won't include Transnistria.

[@roatskm2337]

As a Bulgarian I hope that Moldova and Romania will finally become one country as they used to be always, I support my neighbours and also brothers, because we also in Bulgaria have the same pain and situation about (North) Macedonia like the Romanians have for Moldova... I don't know how much Moldovans see themselves as Romanian nor how much want a reunification with Romania, but generally the perspective and perception on the both sides of the border is pretty much alike for becoming one, soviet propaganda must decrease and finally to be restored historical justice, that's how I see it and I hope to reach success! Salutari, fraţii din Bulgaria, noroc! 🇧🇬❤️🇷🇴

[@user-os7ub4bv1f]

North Macedonians have only one homeland and that is Serbia, they were never in their history ethnic Bulgarians to begin with

[@roatskm2337]

@@user-os7ub4bv1f Wtf, no, from where did you get that source? There's no document or anything saying that today's slav macedonians are serbs, this is a lie, all of them used to call themselves Bulgarian from the year 800 till 1945, before that Serbian politicians tried to serbanize them forcefully and create an antibulgarian propaganda and genocide over Bulgarians in Macedonia, that's what Aleksandar Karađorđević did to my people, that's why he was assassinated, and believe me everyone in Yugoslavia was happy about that!

[@user-os7ub4bv1f]

@@roatskm2337 it was actually the other way around, the Bulgarians through the Ohrid Archbishopry forcefully assimilated the Serbs in Macedonia through forbidding them their language and customs, and forcing them to go to Bulgarian schools. You can't take Bulgarian, Austrian, German, American or Turkish sources, because of course they won't write about it.

[@user-os7ub4bv1f]

@@roatskm2337 And Karađorđević was not murdered by the "Macedonians" but by a group of elites who did not like that Serbs have so much power in this strategically important place.

[@user-os7ub4bv1f]

@@roatskm2337 There are more Serbian bones buried in Macedonia than the country has inhabitants

[@cjane_world]

Watch the Moldovan song for the Eurovision Song Contest 2022. They are actually talking about the fact that Romania and Moldova can't be distinguished.

[@gamerdragon1968]

If a unification happens, that song should be the theme song of it

[@deliriumextreme1637]

That there is no difference from one country to another, that is what the song tries to say, that they are the same

[@johnnystrale7839]

As an ethnic romanian from Chisinau and moldovan citizen in my 30’s I wish Moldova will reunite. This is the biggest dream of our generation. Any cost is worth making “Unirea”and it will definitely be a good investment for future generations. God, cosmos and good vibes help and bless us! 😇

[@Vlad-yi6oo]

Ar trebui întâi sa va mai axați pe educație sunt încă oameni care sunt influențați ușor de media prorusa și au percepții strâmbe despre lucrurile importante

[@assacam5747]

As a Canadian I live in an example of a country where a country can unite and function despite significant cultural division. French and English Canada have been united for over 200 years. We don't always agree But our legal and governmental systems have evolved as a fusion. Democracy and a stable economic environment are the reasons our country is still together.

[@iri8973]

Let's create mare Moldova...make our nation big and strong... Romania is Moldova...and we are moldavians

[@iri8973]

@@assacam5747 now you can unite with America...same language, same economic and ideology... But Moldova wants to be independent and Moldova ready to take Romania as mare Moldova...same as Canada can became mare America..as you wish for

[@papianto1]

​@@iri8973Moldova e România, România Mare🇷🇴🇷🇴🇷🇴

[@petru196]

Greetings from Moldova! I am strongly supporting a reunification with our Romanian brothers! Set aside the potential benefits it could bring to our country, we are one nation. 🇲🇩🇷🇴

[@3dfxvoodoocards6]

I am from Oradea and all romanians I now are in favour of the reunification.

[@marcfaur]

@@3dfxvoodoocards6 I'm from Bucharest and you can count me in!

[@friendlyneighborhoodromani7980]

Moldovan from America here, count me in.

[@Halcon_Sierreno]

Shouldn't you be trying to reunite with Transnistria?

[@riskinhos]

go away. we don't need russian puppets in EU. stay out. not gonna happen.

[@florindobre7265]

As a Romanian from Bucharest I strongly support the reunification of the Romanian people! It would bring me immense joy to see it happen!

[@Vlad-yi6oo]

Yea, but to make this happend for good we need to resove Transnistria to get Rep of Moldova in EU to improuve the economi and bring us closer în order to meke this dream reality.

[@romanianpatriot5309]

@@Vlad-yi6oo we will just destroy the enemy until nothing is left of it

[@moldovanationalist-oi4fe]

nope from Moldova

[@DeeperSoul]

As a Turkish and neighbor of Romania, I pray them to be united. Otherwise Russian invasion will eat Moldova.

[@cokonewlife217]

Thank you, dear Turkish neighbour! God bless you! We will reunite to each other one day!

[@emmanueln8415]

You're right my firend, they must be reunited indeed, just like the Kurds from Irak, Iran, Syrian and Turkey must break away from those countries they were attached to by the European colonizers and reunite to have a country of their own.

[@DeeperSoul]

@@emmanueln8415 Türkiye's Kurds made a decision to be part of Seljuks and then Ottomans centuries ago. Go and make your propaganda on another platform. Dingil!

[@tudorspinu9919]

Funny fact about our famous leader Stefan cel Mare who had won a lot of wars against Turkish he said before he died : If Moldova will be forced to lose independence he wold prefer to lose it to Turks ... cause Turkish empire didn't destroy our identity/religion.

[@freeman4899]

We also dream that India, Pakistan and Bangladesh will reunification will be sooner atleast the Bengali , Dogri and Punjabi believe

[@danciionescu3686]

As a Romanian from Maramureș it would be a shame for our nation to be divided, my ancestors from Maramureș have been under foreign occupation for hundreds of years and still have not lost their ancestral culture. We were there during the Hungarian expansion, when Batu-Khan crossed the Carpathians, when Michael liberated us and when we were all united in 1918. Now we are more divided than ever, we all flee to the west instead of fighting for ourselves or at least in the memory of our ancestors. Wake up Romanian from the deadly sleep!

[@andreidiaconu8530]

Bro, chill out, the majority od Moldovans don't consider themselves Romanians, but a separate nation, it's out of our hands.

[@popacristian2056]

Totul depinde de vointa romanilor de la est de Prut, dar sunt semne bune ca 🇲🇩❤🇷🇴 anul asta ne vom ura *La Multi Ani Romaniei Reintregite!* 🇲🇩🤝🇷🇴

[@victortabuncic9042]

@@andreidiaconu8530 greșești! 🇲🇩❤️🇷🇴 &🇷🇴❤️🇲🇩 💙💛❤️

[@andreidiaconu8530]

@@victortabuncic9042 mai urmareste sondaje, interviuri, i-ai intrebat tu pe basarabeni daca sunt de acord cu unirea? O sa fii foarte surprins de raspuns. Si nu la modul placut!

[@victortabuncic9042]

@@andreidiaconu8530 treci mai des prutul ;)

[@codemagic2487]

I'm from Moldova and our language is basically the same and we ourselves call it Romanian language, not Moldovan. We have some russian words in our language and we have a specific accent, but is not a different language ( like English in US, UK or Australia ). Our society is divided because of propaganda and low level education. Lots of them want back in Soviet Union, because it "was better" and we are russians. But the ones who studied well history and have an education know that moldovans and romanians have same roots and we are brothers. In Transnistria people live like in Soviet Union, they have rubles, lots of soviet buildings, monuments and of course they speak Russian. Because of Russia we had a war with them in 1992. Using Transnistria russian soldiers wanted to come to our capital Chisinau and occupy our land, but they didn't succeed. It's all complicated, me personally I want my country to enter European Union, although this will take years, it will be a real progress. I support also unification with Romania, but a teacher in highschool explained to me that this is not realistic, at least now.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thank you so much for the comment. I really appreciate it. It is always so interesting to get an insight from the countries I cover. And I certainly hope that Moldova does join the EU, either as part of Romania or as an independent state. Whatever people want.

[@Roma_Aeterna_SPQR]

Nothing wrong with the accent mate. Romanians will mock you, but still consider you as thier own. Romania has many accents, nobody speak Romanian correctly as in books. So, no worries, we are all Dacian people. We are all one people. Just ditch the slav Transnistria.

[@valojj3197]

It is not realistic because this is what old people told you in your country. Old men fed by russian money and influence. The only thing preventing this to happen is Moldavian will and everybody knows it.

[@stars_cream_editz]

As a turk Would you be ok if gagavuizia declared independence in exchange of you reunifying with Romania? Also love to moldova 🇹🇷❤💙💛❤🇲🇩

[@Roma_Aeterna_SPQR]

@@stars_cream_editz If they were to become independent they would be destined to poverty. such a small and isolated land it could not thrive alone. they are better as they are or even better as part of Romania. In Romania the minorityes have lots of rights as schools in their language and a lot more. Not sure about it, but I think they have even more rights than us, Romanians. Better access to social housing and such.

[@constantinadam4726]

Trăiască România Mare!

[@teodora7219]

I am from Romania - Transylvania region and I think it would be awesome to unite with Moldova. 🇷🇴 ❤️ 🇲🇩

[@angelabrentz7096]

Thank you from America 🇺🇸!!! With love an American Citizen, originally from R.Moldova. TRAIASCA ROMANIA MARE !!! UNIRE FRATI ROMANI !!!

[@teodora7219]

@@angelabrentz7096 Yay!

[@victortabuncic9042]

And 🇲🇩❤️🇷🇴 💙💛❤️

[@MoldovanNationalist]

No from Moldova Chișinău Și Transilvania e pământ unguresc

[@teodora7219]

@@MoldovanNationalist ba, tu esti rus, nu moldovean nationalist

[@ionbrad6753]

I am Moldovan, hence Romanian. The people in the principality of Moldova were identifying themselves as Romanians. This is easily proved by our old chronicles (Grigore Ureche, Miron Costin, Dimitrie Cantemir etc), by foreign travellers' notes, by ordinary private letters among our ancestors and even by notes of the Russian Empire : ) The people in Wallachia also identified themselves as Romanians. That is why the new state formed by unification of Moldavia and Wallachia was renamed after a while simply "Romania". Forging a new "Moldovan" identity is only a Soviet twisting of truth. What a surprise!

[@JohnSmith-sl2qc]

@Buzás András 2balkan4you

[@JohnSmith-sl2qc]

@Andrei Georgescu Least copper stealing Romanian

[@cafta]

@Buzás András how do you want Transilvania back ? You want the 5.5 milion romanians to leave or you want a country with 11 milion hungarians and 5.5 milion romanians ? How do you want it ?

[@MarjanVukovic]

@Andrei Georgescu My dear brother from Romania, let me frankly ask you as your neighbor from Serbia. Who wiped out the forest in Carpathian mountains and when did it happened?

[@lionet7742]

@Andrei Georgescu Hungary 🇭🇺 is our country! You come from Finland 🇫🇮 boy on our land.

[@MD-ie1qn]

A glaring oversight by the foreign media is the fact that Romania and "Moldova" speak the same language; the Romanian language. The so called "Moldovan" language is a Russian / Ukrainian invention. Both Moldova's President and Prime Minister hold also the Romanian citizenship. Unification is desired by both entities. It is, however, held at bay by Russian threats and Ukrainian animosity.

[@MD-ie1qn]

Worth mentioning in case I was not clear: the Russian and Ukrainian minorities in Moldova account only by 11-12% of total population of 2.6 million. Moldovan (in fact Romanians in Basarabia being a region of Greater Romania) ethnics account for 82%.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thanks. I actually had more on the language issue in the video but cut it out. (Sadly, I have to do this if I feel that things are complicating the situation.) It is interesting that the Moldavian declaration of independence refers to the national language as Romanian, but the 1994 constitution refers to Moldovan, but then the Supreme Court ruled that it should be Romanian.

[@mrhivefive]

@@JamesKerLindsay Also, Romanian cyrillic used in by Romanians before switching to latin alphabet was very different from the alphabet imposed by Russians in Soviet Moldova which is identical to Russian cyrillic. There was no "switching back", Romanians in Soviet Moldova were forced to learn Russian and use Russian alphabet even when writing their own language.

[@mrhivefive]

​@@JamesKerLindsay As for the economic part, Romania at the end of 1989 was the second poorest country in Europe, barely ahead of Albania. In the last 20 years Romania has been the fastest growing economy on the continent, and if trends continue it will have a gdp per capita higher than Hungary or Croatia in the next couple of years. Moldova is small enough and also growing relatively fast lately, unification would pose far less problems than people think.

[@bujdososzekely]

@@mrhivefive you want more trouble ? Transylvania in the early 90's - 2 nationalities live uneasily side by side kzbin.info/www/bejne/mn_IZWZvnbx2e9U

[@artemisselenes5783]

I'm from Italy. It blows my mind that Moldovan is in fact a romance language. Recently I've been growing really interested in Romania and Moldova's history. I've been feeling a sort of kinship towards them. I wish the best for them and should anything happen to them due to the aggressor, I will fully support any intervetion in Moldova's favor.

[@NickyRikki]

They speak Romanian in Moldova not Moldovan it’s not a language

[@cafta]

I feel the conection with the italian people ..we are more alike than diferent ! I can develope this subject further 😊

[@BTL6666]

Wow...indeed you are not studying at all history in Italy? Moldovan is Romanian like Napolitan or Sicilian etc is Italian, actually more, not even a dialect..it is the same language as Romanian! Read history and see why, and how the Russians stole that territory from us, territory that today is the state of Moldova!...

[@wyqtor]

@@BTL6666 Actually no, Napolitan and Sicilian are almost separate languages, the differences between Romanian and Moldovan are more like those between standard Italian and the Tuscan dialect!

[@BTL6666]

@@wyqtor even less my friend! They are 99 % the same with just some regionalisms that belong to them; words that are anyway understood but not so much used in other regions of Romania. That is the individuality of the Romanian language. Whatever areas it covers, it is the same. Maybe my comparison between Sicilian, Napolitan and Italian wasn't the most fortunate, but I've got your idea and also I hope you've get mine. Cheers!

[@johnstone9238]

I`ve met people from both countries and I can safely say that they are the SAME people .

[@alinaandronic8972]

I am Moldova 🇲🇩 I really hope that one day the union with Romania would be reality. We have a lot in common but some people in Moldova don’t see clearly.

[@maryoo7131]

Some Russian leftovers*, not people :)

[@salad7776]

I live in Poland and I wish you all the very best, and hope you will talk and agree what is good for you. We do not know much about Moldova except it produces excellent wine. For us Romania seems a country that makes a great economic progress. As for the part of Moldova that claims independence, it is strange how people can live there separated and if they use their own currency and whether they collect taxes as each country should be somehow organized and ruled. Anyway we must never go into violence as currently russians do in Ukraine, just discuss and choose the best options in a peaceful way. If you would like and persist you may join the EU one day and borders disappear anyway.

[@milkienay]

It sucks to share the same history, same names, same religion, same values, same music, same poets and writers and still be devided by borders and customs. It sucks to be asked when you say I am from Moldova, "what Moldova? Our Moldova or Republic of Moldova?" It sucks that there are people that think that Moldova has its language when in school, in our homes and in the streets people are speaking Romanian.

[@tinybudgie8039]

Just like Russia and Ukraine

[@RokuAschlaW]

@@tinybudgie8039 n. O man russians dont understand Ukrainian and vice versa

[@milkienay]

@@tinybudgie8039 you are very wrong. Ukraine has their own language Ukranian. Most of Russians will not understand Ukrainian. While in Moldova national language is Romanian. Moldova was a part of Romania hence we share not only parts of the culture but entire culture.

[@cristinabb9956]

@@tinybudgie8039 not really! There are russians in Ukraine who don t want to be in Russia...because of the lack of freedom. They would rather join EU not Russia. Why would people want to live in Russia when more than 300 thousand left in the last 2 months? Russians were planted all over the eastern former USSR countries after the WW2 while locals were deported to Siberian gulags. This is very very true! Now...they live in those countries for generations and they feel part of it. They don t want to go east but west! Look what is happening in the south of Ukraine...russian population is fighting against russian army. Romania always helped Moldova economically. All they could do. They didn t unify because of Russia, not wanting to start a war. There is always Transnistria which is a piece of land inflicted with russian army. I think they should negociate and let that part be independent and join Basarabia with Romania in exchange. There is a big problem though: will Romania or EU want to have a russian border? It comes with lots if problems... And..to conclude...there are many nationalities living peacefully in Romania, they have the right to study in their own language etc...of course they have to know Romanian also...but that s what happens in Moldova as well...they have to speak Romanian also.

[@tinybudgie8039]

@@milkienay I am half Russian/ Ukranian and what you are saying could not be further from the truth

[@teodorvindereu3780]

I am a romanian and I wish Moldova would unite with us, no matter the economical costs.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thanks so much. What do you think is the wider view in Romania? And do people discuss how the EU might react? It would be interesting to hear what Romanians and Moldovans think.

[@RoScFan]

@@JamesKerLindsay Where did you get the 40-45 support in Romania? Last time i googled a poll on this issue it was 50% support in Moldova... 90%!!! in Romania! Romanians seem crazy about this issue. I too used to believe in this especially since my entire social "bubble" was heavily pro union. And i was conditioned in school to be totally nationalistic. Ethnic boundaries=national boundaries... As a moral issue... total brainwashing. I changed my opinion slowly, recently and with considerable surprise at myself to the opinion you mentioned in this video which to my knowledge... is in complete minority. I agree with all the counter arguments you mentioned: economic and fuck those ethnic russians and especially fuck transnistria. We already have issues with our hungarians thanks to fidesz fanning the flame of hungarian iredentism, now we re supposed to import million if ethnic russians? Not to mention the putinist spies... people like dodon are almost certainly foreign agents not just pro kremlin politicians. Union with moldova would be a nightmare for romania buy i strongly doubt there s another romanian in this entire country that agrees with me on this. You say this is the opinion of the maj of Romanians? Where did you find those romanians because all i see is nationalistic zombies.

[@teodorvindereu3780]

@@JamesKerLindsay I think people don't discuss this too much in Romania. I understand there was strong support in our country for this when we broke free from comunism but nowadays not that much, its like they don't care that much about it anymore, but we still get news from time to time from Moldova in the romanian press, I think we view it as a sister country. There are people here who say they are too poor to unite with us . I think the general public opinion here is not educated enough to even ask themselves what EU might think of this union. Don't get me wrong, probably there are people who discuss this, I just think they are in minority. I don't know much about the moldavians from Basarabia opinion on this, I just heard that there is a great deal of them who insist they speak a different leanguage than we do, and while it is true that there are a couple of words different and they have a different accent, it is still the romanian leanguage and we can understand each other with ease. A great deal of them speak russian to my knowledge, but I can't say just how many.

[@teodorvindereu3780]

@Yorkshire ball if you mean that Romania stole Transilvania from Hungary then you are wrong and that is Romanian land. They took it from us because they were stronger in medieval times and we took it back in WWI when the winning powers gave it to us . I feel like your comment was just meant to trigger me :)

[@paulghencea9037]

@@JamesKerLindsay No. I don't think about how The EU would react. We are, or were Until recently concerned more about The Russian reaction to a potential reunification

[@joeenglishtv]

Great stuff! So informative 👏 But I say, in a world of divisions and, too often, forced separations, it's BEAUTIFUL to see two territories that want to actually unite! 😍 So, it'll be wonderful to witness them do just that, one of these days. Good luck to them 🍀🤞

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thanks so much. That is indeed a rather nice way to look at it. That said, even the process of uniting within the EU is also a positive model for how countries can work together, while retaining their distinct historical identity.

[@matpk]

@@JamesKerLindsay🎉 when will UK join NAFTA❓❓

[@adipop]

I am Romanian and my biggest dream before I die is to see the unification with Moldova!

[@ionbrad6753]

You write wery well for someone who already ”died” : ) But I get the point and I 100% agree.

[@olegbaron6731]

you wanted to say before I die.... Anyway, I got your point and as an ethnic Romanian from the Republic of Moldova this is my biggest dream too...

[@b.d.369]

@@ionbrad6753 :))

[@claesvanoldenphatt9972]

If only to keep Russia from invading Romanian territory, it would be a good idea.

[@mirceazaharia2094]

Same here. Our national saga has always been one of holding the line under an endless tide of invaders, traitors and foreign interests. We have longed for centuries to be one people in one unified country,. And by God, that will come true, come hell or high water.

[@georgeveziteu4389]

As a Romanian from Western Moldova (Vaslui county) I strongly support the Reunification. There are no costs and price of negociation for our national dignity. Lenin and Stalin’s legacy wont prevail over the Romanian State - the expression of the only Latin people and the beacon of freedom and stability in Eastern Europe.

[@pityu2002]

As a Hungarian I strongly support restoration of every historical borders. Go for it my Romanian Brothers

[@pityu2002]

As a Hungarian I strongly support restoration of every historical borders. Go for it my Romanian Brothers

[@eEmm1]

I'm Romanian and I don't support this.

[@trotziger_emil]

@@pityu2002 got you there😂

[@luka1608]

Ok but thrn give Hungarian territories where majority are Hungarian

[@DavisSystems]

I am of Transylvanian-Saxon and Romanian origin, I see re-unification as the only way. We cannot forsake our brothers and sisters to the east, we have to reclaim them like we did with Transylvania!

[@stefanionutalexandru6916]

Transilvania saxons were always good citizens of Romania, respecting its interest and constitution, that's why romanians elected one as president, I hope ethnically german romanians don t ever feel or be discriminated along with all minorities in romania.

[@DavisSystems]

@@stefanionutalexandru6916 you sir, are a good man.

[@ionbrad6753]

True, Transylvania Saxons voted for Union with Romania after WW1, when the Austria-Hungary empire collapsed. Stephan Ludwig Roth died of Hungarian bullets for speaking the truth: Transylvania was mostly Romanian. Even German colonists brought by Russians in Bessarabia voted for unification with Romania, in 1918 : )

[@sticlavoda5632]

Germans of Romania have always been great. From supporting Avram Iancu in his battle for freedom, to leading the Kingdom of Romania under the German dynasty, to voting for union alongside Romanians at Alba Iulia, to ruling the country in the present democratically, having built several beautiful cities for the motherland.

[@sticlavoda5632]

@@ionbrad6753 Indeed. Long live Stephan Ludwig Roth, a true hero of Romania.

[@oakeru6991]

As a romanian, i can tell you as a fact that over 80% of romanian citizens are in favor of union with Republic of Moldova. No matter of cost, no matter of others opinion or opposition. Historical Moldavia is a part of Romania, a nation rised in the old Dacia territory after 200 years of romanisation process, and those who are identify themselfs as moldavians, historically and ethnically are 100% romanians. We are one nation, we speack identical language with latin roots, we share common culture and history. So, normally we must live united in one country! It is the time that odious effects of Ribbentrop - Molotov pact to be wiped out! And the criminal influence of two of the most hideous murderrers in history (Hitler & Stalin) to be finally stopped! The rest is russian or soviet imperialist propaganda!

[@popacristian2056]

Exact.

[@victortabuncic9042]

💙💛❤️

[@Strider970531]

There are stories about a delegation from Bessarabia/Moldova that came to Bucharest in the 90's with the proposition of reunification but the deal was cut short because Ion Iliescu(formerly schooled in USSR and at the time the leader of Romania) promised Gorbachev(still the leader of USSR) that the unification will not happen. That was a missed opportunity because all we had to do was exactly what Germany did: Come out with a jointed declaration of both of the parliaments. Today we would have recovered even from an economical point of view. Anyway, let's not lose hope. Just 6 years before the great unification of 1918, there was no hope for unification, and yet it happened.

[@sorinjasoncnd5560]

Correct !... Iliescu, a kgb agent and operative who was unmasked by Ceausescu’s security apparatus, confiscated the genuine Romanian revolution and created a state who still struggles between democracy and corrupt clan based organization.

[@Strider970531]

@best laura That was another deal made a few years later with NATO so we could join the alliance.

[@Zeptus1488]

I am from neither of those two countries but as a person who is very interested in history and politics, I certainly wish they would reunite.

[@SirMeowingtonOfficial]

im from moldova an i do not support this, only romanian keyboard warriors support this and do not even know how complex it would be to re unite 2 lands .

[@vladmoldo7870]

When Putin is alive this wouldn t happend…..we want it too but it s no way

[@Meteorul]

@@SirMeowingtonOfficial as is see you use Cyrillic letters (Aliosha) in your name, the name it self sounds russian, then you may be a russian who has moved from russia to moldova

[@hangonsapto2338]

​@@SirMeowingtonOfficialLong live Moldova🇲🇩. Down the imperialist romania !

[@dodoto13]

One language, one history, one country. We will one day unite once again no matter what Russia thinks about it.

[@ThienHoang-tr3dh]

But the world oppose the unfication of Ukraine and Russia to restore USSR

[@danielpeter3834]

Well being Moldovan myself I do really care what Russia says about it... I mean we want to unite with Romania. But after that I want the newly created "Greater Romania" to join the Russian sphere of influence, not the deteriorated west.

[@carlosmiro4932]

@@danielpeter3834 No offense, but y’all from the former Soviet bloc have been a nightmare for the EU 🇪🇺, for example Poland 🇵🇱 and Hungary 🇭🇺 just to name a few. EU 🇪🇺 and NATO membership should have only been applied to what used to be Western Europe, west of the Oder, and an Iron Curtain 2.0 should be established. And while I’m at it, NATO should have been abolished after tge collapse of the Soviet Union and the Warsaw Pact.

[@frankswarbrick7562]

@@danielpeter3834 Yikes. If this attitude is prevalent amount Moldovans I dare say it's a terrible idea.

[@mane771000]

As Russian, I don't really care, nobody care about fucking Moldova, some kind of shithole on the Edge of EU. Rumanians could take it, we are not interesting, only Transnistria is OURS.

[@claudiae.6681]

Great video! As a Romanian, I am all for the unification as long as the Moldovan want to unite

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thanks so much. I agree. It must be a consensual process.

[@Veaceslav-eo2gf]

@@JamesKerLindsay Moldavians are NOT romanians. Moldova is 550 years older than Romania. I have read the history of Moldova, with simple research anyone with a brain, will notice that Romania was first a province in North Turkey before 1800, as you can see here an official map made by historian Mathew Carey. There was no Romania in Wallachia, Moldova, or Transylvania. Ottomans have invaded Wallachia and occupied it for more than 400 years. Romanians immigrated stole the part of Moldavian Land and the Moldavian language, and called it "Romanian" language and rominian state only after 1881. It is the MOLDAVIAN language, It is called MOLDOVIAN since the 14th century for your knowledge. Rominians share the MOLDAVIAN language since 1881 because Rominia annexed only part of a Moldovan territory with Moldavian language, and Valahia with valahian language, where Rominia and rominian language were born by Rusia and Germany only at 1873 -1881. Actually, the Republic of Moldova is another part of MOLDAVIA, an independent country with MOLDAVIAN language. Go to school and study more MOLDAVIAN Constitution, art.13, and legislation, MOLDAVIAN history, my dear British mate... Rominian state and rominian language existed only since 1881. Moldavian state and Moldavian language officially existed since the middle of the 14th century. In that way, rominian language is a nickname that was given to the Moldavian language, robbery of language, history and culture, information war for the purpose to provide classical racism, cultural genocide, and the destruction of identity and statehood of the Republic of Moldova. Rominian language did not exist in history, it is like saying the Queen of Great Britain speaks the American language, and the English language does not exist anymore, and Britain must be quickly reunified with New Zealand... Have a nice day and my suggestion - You need to study more British boy, I am very disappointed, the British school is sucks

[@matpk]

@@JamesKerLindsay🎉 when will UK join NAFTA❓❓

[@iustintarachiu9326]

As a Romanian, I have never met another Romanian not in favor of reunification. Maybe it is because of my circle of people around me who are like minded in this issue, but the low number of Romanians against the reunification reported in this video is surprisingly low for me.

[@StaiChillBro]

Hive minded*

[@stannicolae4623]

I am not in favor of reunification. The last thing we need is moldovas russian minority moving here.

[@Uzishan]

A lot of us are against the Union with moldova and the problems it would bring. Especially in the richer sides of Romania(Transylvania,Banat) though I did notice a super Pro union mindset in Bucharest.

[@gia306]

Culmea ca in cercul meu, nimeni nu isi doreste nici o anexare. Probabil esti de prin Bucuresti sau Oltenia.

[@SirMeowingtonOfficial]

you can be in favor all you want, moldova will never be in favor

[@FlamingBasketballClub]

It sounds like Moldova is in a tough spot due to it's geographic location. Best of luck to the Moldovans.

[@RoScFan]

That s true of all of ex soviet rep and even their neighbours. Russia exudes evil.

[@kujojotaro8111]

This is because Ukraine litearely stole Izmail and Cetatea alba , after the fall of the Soviet Union , Moldova wanted to give Transnistria back to Ukraine , in exchange they will get izmail and Cetatea alba , in this way , they will get access to the sea, this is because these territories were given by the soviet union to ukraine and were ethnically Romanian/Moldovian , but instead of giving this territories back to Moldova Ukraine decided to make them "ukranian" , now Moldova has an over militarized "soviet" republic inside it's country ready to invade them at any moment.

[@altelf3079]

Excellent job dodging the question 🙃

[@mihaelac2472]

In my opinion as a Romanian, unification would mean instant access into EU and thus access to development funds. EU will fund the development of Moldova, while Romania will bring its know how. However, if they want to take the long path of trying to get into EU as an independent state, I am OK with that, but it can go bad anytime, due to internal political instability. So, in my personal opinion, only politicians stand to gain from an independent state, ordinary Moldovans would be better of in Romania. The price of union will have to be paid by the Romanian citizens though.

[@andreikope847]

Eu membership is a privilege and not a right. And you must prove that you can follow EU policies. I'm still wondering why Romania has been accepted even with so many flaws. In coruption,criminality.

[@fockewulf190d9]

Because a lot of companies in the EU are beneficiaries from that corruption. Like for exemple the government signs a contract with a company for a highway. Then the contract is not respected by the state, the company sue the state and gets the money for the project anyway and everybody is happy, except for the taxpayers that pay for a nonexistent highway.

[@nistorvali1473]

@@andreikope847 Corupiton its everywher m8 wot about criminality? Romania its a safe country ,ouer towns are safer than London facts.

[@sirc1446]

@@andreikope847 you won't see teachers beheadings in Romania as in France.

[@polarisation]

Yeah but we would need political support from both sides (Romania and Moldova) ,but that's not even the issue. Moldova would need significant development in the upcoming years after the unification to be atleast considered part of Romania. So we would probably see an increase in taxes and prices,and our country isn't really the cheapest country to live in. Without a solid economy I dont see this happening ever.

[@eriksgasins9086]

If BOTH countries want to unify in a peaceful and democratic way, that sounds great. If Romania and Moldova could help and defeat the Transnistria separatists that would be even greater news for peace and security in Europe.

[@dand7763]

it's similar situation for us like was in until 1990, Western Germany and Eastern Germany (the same country divided in 2 parts)

[@JohnK004]

@@dand7763 False equivalency, Germany was always a united nation since its inception, Moldova was united with Romania for 20 years, that's nothing.

[@dand7763]

@@JohnK004 Moldova was part of Romania always , but divided by foreign empires during centuries , remember Dobrogea (50% , because the rest of 50% is in Bulgaria), Moldova, Wallachia, Transylvania were always romanian regions ,full of romanians , but despite a short reunification of all 3 romanian principalities in 1600 (for a month) by Michael The Brave , always the big empires bullying our lands ,and kept us divided for many many years ,centuries , "DIVIDE ET IMPERA" ...now Romania today represent ex- Wallachia ,Transilvania, 50% from Moldova (inside Romania) , because the lost 50% is now a separate country - Republic of Moldova ,stolen by russians in 1812, and before 1812 were part of Ottoman Empire...ANOTHER THIEVES..ask Balkan countries about Ottomans

[@holmbjerg]

No it would not. It's never a good idea for a majority to suppress a minority.

[@pashy3391]

@@JohnK004 , how do you explain the same language and cultural identity though? Formal borders are not representative of the nation. Also Germany is a federal republic and also Germany became a nation state 12 years after Romania, in 1871.

[@iblendallday]

As a Romanian I can definitely say you've touched all the sensitive subjects,with only two things to add to this:1.the Russians brought over came from Siberia and a large number of of Romanians were deported there that never came back,plus alot of Romanians that had a strong national sentiment were shot and 2.the Moldovan language is Romanian its just named different as an instrument of division that will come in the way of the unification of the two states. One thing is for sure though,the Moldovans see us as a ticket to Europe,and once there they switch talking Russian so Romanians won't understand them,have inferiority complexes and look at us as gypsies,and so are Ukrainians.I can tell you that first hand as I'm working with them and they love making Romanians life's harder.

[@eEmm1]

In sfârșit cineva spune adevărul pe aici. Moldovenii în ziua de față nu stiu decât să ne jignească si sa ne ia banii si cetățenia atunci când le priește. Niste ipocrizi.

[@xxxyyy5080]

As a Pole whose country was devided by its neighbours for 123 years and before that experienced district breakdown during early middle ages (Masovia as a district was independent till XVI centry now hosts Polish capital, Warsaw, Silesia as an independent district functioned for many years later annexed by Habsurgs and Prussia but in 1919-1921 almost 800 years later there were still people wanting to join second Polish Republic and Silesian uprisings in upper Silesia were a result of that) I have always seen Romanians and Moldavians as "one people". Sure you always have regional difference but both Walachia and Moldova were 2 medival kingdoms that were inhabited by the same people - Romanians. Sure national identities can be "created" or "manipulated" by elites or more often foreign countries for their own interests but ultimately language (and if language is only a little bit diferent it is almost as one, languages always evolve due to time) culture, values and beeing treated by your neighbour same as your citizens (this is the question only Moldavians can answer) you are one nation. There always can be intermediary step like federation etc.

[@arphaksad01]

Poland was partitioned twice

[@stefanionutalexandru6916]

We dont want to be a federation, but other than that i fully agree, but at this point we would just be happy to see them safe and sound in the eu and nato, at the present its not about reunification per se but stopping russian "soft" soon to be hard agression in moldova. If they want to reunite after , not really an objective, we just want to know that they are well.

[@xxxyyy5080]

@@stefanionutalexandru6916 your countries your choice but it also nice to realize that there are forces witin the EU that want to federalize whole block.

[@stefanionutalexandru6916]

@@xxxyyy5080 I know, I don't want a eu federation, I think it's a stupid idea and will destroy the eu in the future. I don't like the idea of empire, I'd rather vote to leave it than lose the independence that was worked at for hundreds of years

[@dantedante839]

Putting Poland as an example is really complicated, considering the huge "historical engineering" they had to do to mak (or try to make) German lands look Polish. Claiming that after more than 800 years of polish rule the land should/must still be considered Polish opens a lot of other "rights" to literally transform the continent trastically.

[@VicCrisson]

Moldovan here, living in Romania but hoping for a reunification.

[@miriamlana833]

I think only Cisnistria/Bessarabia could be a proper part of Romania. What shall happen with Transnistria?

[@Silvike21]

As prefera sa va mutați aici și sa uitam de acel "pământ"

[@vladibalan]

@@miriamlana833 Should go to Ukraine and the 200-300k romanian speakers moved inside Romania/Moldova. They were never safe there. Maybe Ukraine would agree to some territory exchange with Moldova (Gagauzia and Tiraspol for Cernauti?).

[@ionbrad6753]

@@vladibalan True. But not Cernauti - which has only 15% Romanians (Moldovans) now. There are regions and villages almost purely Romanian, near the border, though (Herța, for example; sau Cartal/Orlivka in south).

[@pingpong_]

​@@vladibalan I think, Ukraine would say, no thanks.

[@xyo2434]

Very well made, and your points are solid. Thank you for the time you've put into this!

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thank you very much indeed!

[@fiviifjj]

As far as I've noticed throughout my life, most romanians and moldovans are pro unifications. Imagine having a country split in two for whatever reason. They'd still have the same language, same heritage and the same culture. That's what's happening here. I'd fight for my brothers in Moldova and i know they'd do it for me as well. In the end it's just a matter of our politicians and the possible economical issues that it would bring but i do believe everyone is pro unifications, especially during the time we're currently living.

[@romanianisraeli]

Hopefully the fear of Russia invading Moldova, might push Moldovans to choose the Romanian reunification path.

[@stephencarroll9935]

The hoi4 expert

[@allah7548]

If you want Vladimir to visit you that is a good path, If you dislike peace you will have war😆

[@octavianpopescu4776]

I don't want them to join us out of fear or by force, I want them to join us because they, of their own free will want it, because they think it's the right thing to do.

[@allah7548]

@@octavianpopescu4776 this is what want Vladimir Putin, a casus belli😐

[@octavianpopescu4776]

@@allah7548 He's going to invade anyway, IF he can... he can make up a reason anyway, so why does it matter? Who cares what putin thinks/wants? What matters is he already wants to invade and will invade, again IF, big IF, he can.

[@ionrotaru2939]

Born and raised in Moldova. Building a family in Romania. Overall, I liked the presentation. For a better understanding of the entire picture please: 1. mention that “Basarabia” is a Russian Creation. In fact “Basarab Region” was a small part of South Moldova and South-East of Romania. And, in fact Russia’s Imperial hand trembled when drew the line on the map. 2. Moldova/Basaria named how you like NEVER was annexed to Romania (Țara Românească). Unification of this 2 states was done at that time with major political help and without any army. Unification of Romania and Moldova is good. Unfortunately in Romania politicians see the advantages of it and the population the threat. And, in Moldova the population see the benefits of unification and the political part see the threat.

[@davitka_p]

It was actually a Ukrainian creation, when they stole Moldovas access to the Black Sea, and gave Moldova a strip of desert no one wanted, called Bessarabia. Same thing happened when Ukraine took crimea from Russia

[@ionbrad6753]

@@davitka_p It was a Russian creation. In 1812 it was the Czar in Moscow who decided to break the eastern part of Moldavia and annex it under the name "Bessarabia".

[@MrQ454]

@@ionbrad6753 she is russian troll, evidently ...

[@cristimarius9832]

True!

[@ionrotaru2939]

@@davitka_p here you have 2 links that spoke about Basarabia and it's creation: ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%91%D0%B5%D1%81%D1%81%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%B1%D0%B8%D1%8F ro.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basarabia. There are differences in how the history is presented, but in either form Ukraine is not present. When Basarabia was created (more or less actual Republic of Moldova) the creator was Imperial Rus. Now, in 2022, it is useless to debate on territory. If there are leaders who want more land, I am inviting them to fight for it and not push people to go on war. If there are people who think that bigger country means more benefits... I am inviting those people to compare the life of Russians (biggest country in the world) and Swiss (one of the smallest country in the world).

[@superstrongr]

Even if you just look at this comment section, you can see most people in Moldova and Romania would want to reunite.

[@miketackabery7521]

Excellent presentation. I've wondered about the subject for years and you've helped me understand it. Thanks!

[@calinradu1378]

The official name is simply Romania not Republic of Romania and it is one and the same language but called Moldovan for political purposes. Romania did little to develop Bessarabia between 1918 and 1940 but the province was very poor from the start and 22 years is little for a development plan. Dobruja was even poorer in 1878 when it became part of Romania but having stayed much more it was gradually better developed in time.

[@denisrwoo]

Romania is a semi-presidential republic! Search if u don't trust me

[@calinradu1378]

@@denisrwoo Yes I know since I live there but the official name is simply Romania search if you don't trust me

[@denisrwoo]

@@calinradu1378 ik

[@jaixzz]

Seems it was plundered by ottoman protection racketeering.. see the response of "vlad the impala" of Romania

[@iasminagarbici2853]

@@denisrwooOfficial Name : Romania Political system: semi-presidential republic It is a difference.

[@cristianberzan3107]

Hi proffesor I'm a long time subscriber but its the first time that I comment (great channel by the way). I'm Moldovan and I was waiting for this episode for a while. The historical context is correct (as always). The sovietization and russification really hit us hard, that is why we haven't reunited yet but I do wish with all my heart the reunification. There is a nouance because when you say "only" 40÷ that want to be united that is actually a huge change. 15 years ago there was only 4÷. Now it has grown immensely and I do think it will happen in the future. There is one thing you didn't mention. Reunification means we get in the EU without passing through the complex processes that require the new countries. It means is easier to be part of the EU "quickly". That is one of the key factors that has lead to the growth of people who do want to be part of Romania. It is even growing between the Russian speakers which were very aggressively against that. It actually has to do more with the mentality and age rather than ethnicity or language (older soviet people vs young europeans). So as the older generation leaves this world and there is a generational change you will see more and more talks about the reunification. Actually the region is going through massive changes. The protests in Belarus (the people went with their first flag, not the actual one which is the Soviet), the revolution in Ukraine in 2014, Georgia, Armenia, etc. It feels like a second wave of the desintegration of the USRR. As the generations change people look more to the future (EU) and not the past (Soviet Union). The other main reason is that by uniting it gives us the chance to escape poverty and see some changes in MD. So I do think the sentiment will grow and grow as I see more and more people agreeing with the idea. But yes it is a huge challenge for Romania because of their economic situation. If they would be richer (and it actually was growing at a 6÷ annually before the pandemic) the reintegration could be done faster. But as we become poorer and Romania richer there will be more and more people wanting for these to happen. And the Transnistria thing (my father is from there btw). There is just no way that we reunite with them. So probably we will have to give them the independence or give it to Ukraine (now don't thing is possible). But that is actually the plan as the Transnistria region wasn't part of Romania. And lastly the war in Ukraine I think it will accelerate the process because Russia is going to an economic disaster. So a lot of people will loose their pro-Russian positions. For this to happen I do think there must a be a huge change in the political scene and stop the tribalism we have (the hate against the Russian speakers from the Moldovans that want the reunification as they are being accused of being traitors or Putin's fifth column) and create a common project for all the ethnicities from MD. That will sum more people to the idea. Anyways, great video I always enjoy them. Keep going this great job.

[@mkh7370]

just let Transnistria go independent and most opposition to reunification is gone

[@cristianberzan3107]

@@mkh7370 Not so easy. There is a lot of opposition in the North (lots of Russian speakers, mainly Ukrainians) and in the south (where the gagauz and bulgars live). These guys are super russified and sovietized. They think if we do the reintegration the times of Antonescu will return (the dictator that was with the Nazis) and Romanians will start beating and killing them because you know... "Nazis" as the ones in Ukraine now... They only watch Russian TV channels and believe their propaganda, but it is slowly changing in the younger generations. But I would let go Transnistria even if we didn't do the reunification. Too much problems, too much fanboys of Putin. And as the time passes we will be more apart than together. It is actually a big problem for us...

[@mkh7370]

@@cristianberzan3107 Yea but they are such a small portion of the population. As for Transnistria, they will always be pro-Russia no matter what and Putin is gonna justify invading Moldova via Transnistria. (Similar to how he used Donetsk and Luhansk to invade Ukraine)

[@cristianberzan3107]

@@mkh7370 Yeah the idea of Putin was to take the whole south and east of Ukraine and create this corridor to Transnistria and take that territory as well. Maybe even invading us... And the Russian speakers are 25÷ of the population (I put here the gagauz, bulgars, Ukrainians, etc. as they use the Russian language to communicate because they don't know Romanian) But yeah actually the battle is between us (Moldovans). But you know not all the Russian speakers are against it. As I said is more about mentality and age. If you see your future to going in the past ( the Soviet Union and pro - Russia) or looking towards the EU and reunification. That is way I think with time as the Soviet generations disappear there will be more people wanting to be part of Romania. Time will tell

[@mkh7370]

@@cristianberzan3107 Exactly, as long as Transnistria is considered a part of Moldova, Putin will plan on invading Moldova. Hello from Iasi on other other side of the Prut River by the way

[@wojciechwilkanowski4472]

This video is really well structured, and you speak very clearly and concisely. Reminds me of some of the better lecturers I had at uni.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thank you very much indeed! :-)

[@williamhemsley2828]

Thank you for the rigor and specificity!! Will engage shortly!

[@danielpeter3834]

Well done Mr. Ker-Lindsay... This was the video I was suggesting so often in your videos that I thought you would never cover up this topic. Thank You Professor (Even if we disagree in other things) From Balti, Moldavia my grandparents moved abroad and ended up in the UK. I myself visited the place twice and i couldn't see any difference between Romanians and so called "Moldavians". All I saw there was Romanians who live in different sides of the Prut but that was the only difference I saw there. Attended to one of the unification rallies back in 2017 and it was great to scream and shout... And transnistria should be swapped with Ukraine to get back Northern Bucovina and the bay area of Bessarabia they have *UNIREA!* 🇷🇴❤️🇲🇩

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thank you so much! I know that there were a few viewers who wanted me to do this for rather a long time. :-) I was actually rather hesitant to do it as it is rather more complicated that it seems - as you certainly know. Fortunately, I was able to go to Romania a few weeks ago and had some fascinating conversations about this with leading Romanian scholars. That helped enormously. Transnistria is obviously an incredibly complex issue. There's an element of territorial integrity. But one does get the sense that Moldova might be better to accept its loss. The problem, as we both know, is that around a third of the population is Romanian-speaking Moldovan. It would mean ejecting them from the state.

[@eedragonr6293]

@@JamesKerLindsay I am very sorry for them but they must realize that they are Soviet occupants there. Can't be puppets for anyone.

[@prs223]

@@JamesKerLindsay Excuse my indiscreete question, but could you point out for me wich historians have you been talking to? I might happen to know them at least by name and I am really curious who might be so pessimistic regarding this issue. Thanks :)

[@monstabitta]

@@JamesKerLindsay I'm from Moldova (the Romanian side), and of course, my heart says Unification. But looking at "the bigger picture", and understanding the ethnic dynamics of Republic of Moldova, I believe that a Unification with Romania will do more "harm" than "good", due to the fact that there is a large portion of the Moldavian population which no longer identify as Romanians (mixed marriages), or for the simple fact that they are not of Romanian origins, and forcing them to become Romanian citizens, will lead to even more unsettlement within ethnic groups. Romania is fully committed to help Rep. of Moldova to enter EU, and nothing can stop us to help each other as 2 different countries.

[@Sofus.]

I believe that if Russia gains access to Transnistria by land, then Moldova as an independent country is not possible. So the question of what Moldova wants or does not want, is not a choice between independence and renunification. But a choice between Russia or Romania as the overlord.

[@stefanionutalexandru6916]

Yes, that's basicly the whole issue. There is no free choice here, moldova by all means is a modern colony of russia.

[@RACM27MD]

@@stefanionutalexandru6916 not. it's not. at least not yet.

[@tancreddehauteville764]

Romania would not be an 'overlord', it's a democratic country which has the same language as Moldova.

[@Perririri]

* Prednistria

[@Perririri]

@@tancreddehauteville764 Romania would still overlord #Erdély, the Transylvania!

[@carpathianwolf3523]

As a Romanian I have to say that this situation is really unfortunate. And personally I never really understood the argument that Moldovans from Basarabia are different from the rest of Romanians. Afterall we Romanias have many sub-identities, Wallachian, Transilvanian, Oltenian, Moldovan, e.t.c. But at the end of the day we share the same history, language, poets, myths and music. The only reason we where historically divided was because of foreign imperialism that sought only to benefit from abusing us or directly colonize us. That's another reason why I personally support Ukraine and hope they win this war. Because the defeat of Russia isn't just good for Ukraine but I would argue it's good for the stability of both central and eastern European countries overall, because it would signal the deafeat of Russian imperialism for a long time. (Edited for spelling mistakes)

[@ridik1509]

Hello from Moldova (Transnistria). I and my family and friends believe that Moldova will unite with Romania. But on the other hand in Transnistria most people don't like thinks about unification with Romania because here works strong russian propaganda.

[@raisetheblack6991]

Really interesting, the historical background is helpful. This could be made into series, for example Bulgaria-North Macedonia, Greece-Cyprus etc. Nice work!

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thanks so much. I love these topics. I have actually done one on Kosovo and Albania. I really should take more of a look at the other two. I have already touched on the relationship between North Macedonia and Bulgaria in another video. And I would really like to revisit Cyprus and Greece. That is a fascinating relationship and one I know very well at first hand. (I have lived in both countries and speak Greek.)

[@bujdososzekely]

@@JamesKerLindsay about Szeklerland / Szekelyfold or Transylvania / Erdely ? The top 10 things Romania has stolen kzbin.info/www/bejne/oHu6ZZKYh5mYerc

[@user-en7ir2jp8y]

Could you elaborate a bit further on the thesis of Bulgarian-Macedonian unification? Macedonians do not have Bulgarian roots, even though some consider themselves connected due to the Bulgarians seizing a part of the land in the First Balkan war. Also, in the period of 1914-1918, a strong "Bulgarisation" process was in effect on the territories under their control, banning the use of Serbian in public life, schools, newspaper etc. Macedonians either consider themselves Macedonian (the majority) or having Serbian (Larger minority) or Bulgarian (smaller minority) roots. For Serbs, it is considered as Old Serbia, given into account how the pre-Ottoman Serbian empire was centered around Raska, Skopje and Skadar. As of today, the Serbian people do not have a focus to re-integrate Macedonia in any way or form, other than having good neighborly relations and supressing our mutual threat that comes from Albanian's "Great Albania" aspiration. Lest we forget that Albanians, as a nation, did not exist pre-1913. and were an Austrian method of denying the Adriatic coast to the Serbian kingdom post Balkan Wars.

[@lucianboar3489]

@@user-en7ir2jp8y btw, genetically the Gagauz seem to be Macedonian Slavs that somehow ended up in Southern Dobroudja, speaking a Turkish dialect but not giving up their Orthodox religion. The prize they got for it was settlement granted by the Russians in Southern Bessarabia after they got it from Moldavia or the Ottoman Empire or both (the borders there were in a flux in early 19th century). A little known fact is that there is a Bulgarian minority with the same history, neighbours of the Gagauz in Southern Bessarabia (both in Ukraine and Moldova). One of them was even a prime minister in the 2000s. I think they also have some sort of autonomy in the Taraclia rayon.

[@doratheace]

We hate Bulgaria. This is not the same.

[@user-wo3qe6lm2g]

As a Moldovan citizen one decade ago I would be on the opposing side of unification. The reason why is because I was raised in the mostly Russian speaking region. Not only Transnistria region is under Russian control but also the autonomous Gagauz Yeri region in southern Moldova is pro-Russian and openly anti-Românian. Today after many years of self education I agree that Moldova and România should be reunited. Russia has no right to interfere especially if they claim that they reunited with Crimea and that it was a historical justification.

[@grumpybollox7949]

gotta keep the unemployment away from romania too

[@stefanionutalexandru6916]

Respect brother for thinking for yourself, for me ad a Romanian it's not important if romania and moldova reunite rather if moldova has the same opportunities as Romania, if in moldova the rights of all citizens are respected, if ethnic Moldovans are no longer discriminated in transnistria, and if all citizens can developed and reach a western standard of life. And most of all if all citizens there are safe from war. I don't care for union rather I want our little sister nation to be well.

[@Vlad-yi6oo]

@@stefanionutalexandru6916 you want to say ethnic romanian moldovans. There are no pure ethnic moldovans

[@stefanionutalexandru6916]

@@Vlad-yi6oo yes, agree, I only refered to romanians in transnistria that way for the sake of simplicity so westerners can easily understand. I think the best way to call them is Romanian speaking citizens of Moldova, to be tottaly politically correct, otherwise the whole propaganda will start to call us iredentists and revisionists and aggressors, and I don't want to have any misunderstanding regarding romanias intention in Moldova. Getting them in the eu and nato via union or by themselfs peacefully so russians couldn't abuse them anymore

[@kaneinkansas]

Look at the life style currently available to Romanians today. Romania today is a largely successful and functioning society. I cannot see why anyone wouldn't want to be a part of that. Unification with Romania should be the only priority for Moldovans. If the Transnistrians want to wallow in their Moscovite hell hole, let them, until their children growing up in it get sick of it and change things for the better.

[@leongrosu]

I am Romanian and I have to say: well documented analysis!

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thank you so much. I really appreciate it!

[@MalinBot]

Bună analiză, lucidă. Felicitări

[@ionutunroman7525]

If Moldova unites with Romania, in short term this will bring some economical issues but, in long term Romania will become a much, much stronger country.

[@babylonian5]

There is absolutley nothing in Moldova that would make Romania stronger.

[@AntonioGarcia-wn7ut]

@@babylonian5 Not a smart observation from you Levi. I can name a few but if you can’t even see one then I’m not going to waste time

[@babylonian5]

@@AntonioGarcia-wn7ut Name 1 please. Moldovas GDP is about $12 billion, Not even 10% of Romanias GPD. It has no significant natural resources, no access to the sea, etc

[@BapsStudio]

@@babylonian5 moldova has a access to sea wdym

[@justanugget6588]

@@AntonioGarcia-wn7ut You're wasting his time by saying "Your opinion is wrong but I'm not gonna do anything to prove why it is."

[@lucianboar3489]

Half of my family is from Chisinau, they left in 1944. Bessarabia was ignored partly in the sense that it was the poorest part of the country when it unified with Romania and the investment would have to have been a lot higher than it was. The literacy rate in 1930 was less than 30%, whereas in Southern Transylvania, where I am, it was higher than 80% among ethnic Romanians, not to mention the ethnic Germans in the area. Btw , the only district that had a similar literacy in Bessarabia was Tarutino (now in Ukraine) where German settlers were the majority.

[@yamataichul]

Many parts of Romania where not a priority at it's time. Half of my own family comes from Dobrogea. I honestly don't take issue with it because politically every new nation needs at least 30 years to properly have a stable infrastructure and economy.

[@ionbrad6753]

True, but that 30% was a tremendous improvement. The literacy rate among Romanian (Moldovan) peasants in Bessarabia was about 5% in 1918. Romanian administration built lots of schools and things began to change.

[@lucianboar3489]

@@ionbrad6753 well it was under 30% for the entire Bessarabian population, I don't know what percentage it was for Romanian peasants in 1930. Smaller than for the whole population , that's for sure.

[@whitesun264]

... and the literacy rate went down after re-unification with Romania

[@lucianboar3489]

@@whitesun264 bullshit, it didn't go down, it didn't go down anywhere in Europe in the interwar period. Why would it? You make it sound like Imperial Russia was a beacon of mass education compared to interwar Romania. That's silly.

[@peterkops6431]

Thanks Prof. Super informative but uncomplicated. As always. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@Rocketsong]

Functionally, West Germany was a Federal Republic, much like the United States. When Germany reunited, East Germany was admitted as 5 states based on the 1952 borders (with some border adjustments) , plus Berlin, because for some reason Germany allows cities to be states. So from a governmental and constitutional perspective, it was fairly straightforward. One of the greatest costs (and wealth transfer) was the massive subsidy of valuing the "ostmark" at parity. Moldova would functionally have to join Romania in the same way, by each county equivalent joining the 41 existing counties of Romania, possibly with some consolidation.

[@theeccentrictripper3863]

One thing Germany does get right seems to be the city-state phenomenon; cities have vastly different needs, interests, and opinions than those who live in suburban or rural areas but their population density allows them to dominate political systems where they aren't their own entities. If one is trying to ensure stability and good will between states within a federal system it makes sense to divide these metropolitan areas from those with lower population density so their weight is more balanced.

[@danielracovitan9779]

except that Romanian counties are like US counties of a US state; or like a French "département" ; Romania is not a federal state like Germany

[@davidlegrice4207]

If Moldova just gave the Russian/Ukrainian parts of transnistria back to Ukraine in and Ukrainian gave them some Romanian speaking territory in exchange this would solve the transnistria problem and reduce the percentage of the population opposed to reunification at the same time.

[@EdMcF1]

Indeed, but what if Hungarian-speaking majority areas in the Ukraine and Romania get 'ideas'? (nothing bad of course, but it upsets some people)

[@catalinmarius3985]

Like India&Bangladesh did? I can already see conflicts in negociations because one side loses more land than the other. Or that one side will still have ethnic minorities. Or that the territory they give is more economically viable than the territory they get.

[@fuguthefish]

@@EdMcF1 The difference is that the Hungarian-speaking people have been colonized there, in the middle of the Romanian population.

[@ottovonbismarck5007]

There are more Russians and Moldovans in Transnistria than Ukrainians.

[@papapeethehunks]

I don't think Ukraine would like to acquire that problem. They already have two breakaway regions in the east and the Russians want to get its coast now too in the north is Belarus so no I don't think that's appreciated for now. Many EU countries are against land swap as it would have a domino effect in their own turf.

[@lumeaeamea1]

I'm a romanian and I know Romania loves Moldova. We hope that one day we will unite. But it has to be of commune accord 🤝 and it need to be done in peace (not trough conflict).

[@blabla-rg7ky]

well said

[@paap3805]

Moldova It's Russian territory

[@lumeaeamea1]

@@paap3805 yeah right :)))

[@blabla-rg7ky]

@@paap3805 not even in your wildest dreams

[@pitigoi4649]

@@paap3805 in Romania we have a saying "Russian dude, don't hope, Moldova is not yours"

[@spacelemur7955]

Informative, concise, clear. 👍

[@robsterslobsters6014]

It always makes me happy to see my country and neighbours be brought up for historical debates and discussions. I am all for unification, granted many problems could arise but it's best to not act foolish based on said assumptions and hopefully one day....

[@L2Xenta]

There was a huge chance to reunite right after the Iron Curtain fell.. in those years after. But the "president" of Romania at that time was pretty much a crook that was a prominent politician during communism as well, obviously much less known because everybody only talked about Ceausescu back then. He reinvented himself as a anti-communist revolutionary, as many former high profile communist party members did. He still sucked up to Russia, he had finished his studies in Moscow when young too...him and his regime made Romania's transition to democracy much more difficult, much more corrupt... basically the Romanian people had forgotten what it means to be free or have a free market, we had to learn everything from zero... and these former communists and former securitate had access at information no others did before, many got rich over night, or made Romania's development more complicated, including the prospects of Reunification. Back then both the people of Moldova and the people of Romania wanted unification at very high percent, but it was these politicians that put that topic on the side, any topic other than that, Iliescu even tried to be part of the Russian "Nato" alternative, forgot its name. The revolution was half effective, half of its meaning got stolen by these crooks, that is the reality, because people didnt know what a transition to freedom should look like, and because not everybody from the outside of Romania was completely honest either.... probably. P.s. These crook neo-democrat communist politicians Im referring to are people as former president Ion Iliescu, former PM Petre Roman. 2 big idiots on Romania's pages of history...and many others in their regimes, some still last eventually to this day. Romania never took any kind of revenge on high profile communists, we wanted to be "civilized" and not forget but forgive and move on, I always thought that was a big mistake.. personally, and great disrespect to people that died in the Revolution of 89. They should have been "hunted down" (found - investigated) , and at very least sent to trial, the high profile communists. Why I say high profile communists is because pretty much half the population eventually was "symbolically" made communist party member. But pretty much almost everybody hated the communists.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thank you so much. I also get the sense that the time to have done this was pretty soon after the end of the Cold War and the collapse of the Soviet Union. It has now been thirty years, and one gets the sense that there is enough of a distinct Moldovan identity that if unification did take place, many would be deeply unhappy about it. This could introduce an extra layer of unhappiness and instability alongside those you rightly mentioned. But it is such an interesting issue to explore.

[@L2Xenta]

@@JamesKerLindsay Thank you. My opinion as Romanian is simply... the ball is in Moldova's court, when it comes to reunification. That is my simple opinion, not anything complicated coming from me. But politically you know very well Professor that its a lot more complicated than that.. eventually. Yet still the glass seems more full than not. Our worry is with Ukraine right now of course.

[@baboescu]

@@JamesKerLindsay great analysis, one of the best I've seen so far. With regard to the possibility of the unification in early nineties, are you sure that there was strong support( > 50%) for unification in Moldova during those years?

[@JamesKerLindsay]

@@baboescu Thanks Florin. Regarding the early 1990s, there did seem to be a degree of support for the idea. But I’m not sure it was strong. I actually included a link in the description to a very interesting article on the topic by Charles King, a leading expert on the region.

[@healththenopulence5106]

Moldovan ‘identity’ is a mockery, their national hero Stefan and poet Eminescu are born and burried in Romanian region called moldova. Their national poet and hero is the same as Romanias’.

[@SteveSun89]

Keep up the great and informative content!

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thanks so much! Have a great weekend.

[@lukejohn6139]

Yes, and also the really interesting comments people post here. Corruption, and Transnistria (especially now that Russia has declared it aims create a 'land bridge' around southern Ukraine) look to be common themes.

[@richardsimms251]

An absolutely excellent top quality review. Thank you. RS. Canada

[@costelbanasu6447]

Very objective and well documented analyze , thank you !

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thank you. I really appreciate it.

[@user-vs2fx3ng5w]

Been waiting for this video for a while. Thanks professor :)

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thanks so much. I had wanted to akee this video for a really long time. I have always been fascinated by this relationship. I went to Romanian recently (and would love to have been able to film it there, but didn't have the time), and that helped my thinking on the issue.

[@aguysaid5457]

Dragostea din tei all the way.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Ah, yes. 🙂

[@eL-mr__Mario]

Wow - an OUT-Standing piece of History, Professor ! ! Thank You VERY Much ! !

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thanks so much! Really appreciated.

[@AlinFlair]

I think that more that 90 % of Romanians want this unification. I am Romanian, born in 1986 and I want them home ! Romania and Moldova are not separate. Nobody is better or worse. we are one.

[@Ygarek]

Totally agree, my romanian/dacian brother! Too bad we got here, in Moldova, so many russian nationalists that are doing everything to stop this process of unification.

[@angelabrentz7096]

All my support!!! GOD help the reunification!!! TRAIASCA Romania 🇷🇴 MARE. Traiasca, zTraisca Traiasca sa infloreasca Moldova , Ardealul shi Tara Romaneasca!!! With love from America 🇺🇸 !

[@dogeatrbones5773]

Do you know if moldova 🇲🇩 would like to be unified . Do you know the percentage at all .?

[@Mylifesuckslol]

@@Ygarek I'm not from Europe but by Russian nationalists do you mean transnistria?

[@comfortablydoomed6280]

@@Mylifesuckslol the same thing that happened in Donbas and Donetk in Ukraine is happening in Moldova. Rusians planted there after WW2 are making mischief and opposing the unification with Ro.

[@Mr10b]

Have my downvote for claiming the union of 1918 was ''unhappy'' and other very short-seighted or inaccurate comments.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

This comment was made following a discussion with a group of senior Romanian historians in Romania a few weeks ago. They explained that Bessarabia was treated very badly indeed, almost like a prison colony. And from what I have seen the history books say as much too. I hardly think it is worth a down vote, but that is entirely up to you.

[@3dfxvoodoocards6]

@@JamesKerLindsay "romanian historians" with russian hungarian or ukrainian names ?!?

[@skifter6956]

Let's hope for a Romanian unification. From Albania

[@popacristian2056]

Thanks! We hope too. The unification was made in 1918. We need now a reintegreation.

[@gia306]

Let's hope for a reunification between Kosovo with Serbia. From Romania.

[@skifter6956]

@@gia306 how can two fully different countries like serbia and kosova reunificate. You are dreaming with eyes open

[@gia306]

@@skifter6956 Same as Romania and Moldova are two fully different countries, different mentalities. So keep your dreams for your own country not mine.

[@TheSec09]

I find it interesting that you talked about this subject and not even a Romanian journalist or youtube channel discussed this issue. Not just considering my ancestry, I wish this unification could happen but I am aware it's hard. Nevertheless, I am happy the relations between the two countries better in the last two years by giving to the brothers from the East vaccines against Sars-Cov-2 and other humanitarian aid. My great-grandfather was from Transnistria and advocated for the union with the Old Kingdom and his older son was the deputy in the administration chain of Transnistria during the Romanian occupation in 1941-1944. He was a counsellor for Ion Antonescu. Because of this he and his son were persecuted by the communists. To my surprise, I found out in his writings that many popular children's games and folk traditions were similar here, in Romania. If you want to make a video about Transnistria, I would gladly help you with any information I can. I know Romania signed a treaty in the mid-'90s which confirmed it has no territorial gains desires (mostly regarding Northern Bucovina which now it's part of Ukraine) so it could be admitted to NATO. Such a unification wouldn't be contrary to this treaty? Keep up the good work!

[@madden12]

NATO isn't territorial gain, its a defence alliance

[@madden12]

@@gigikontra7023 you think so far my friend, do you really think we can unify that easy?

[@mariuseu7493]

@@madden12 yea yea we all know that but tell me: WHEN did somebody had to defend a NATO country?! Because for years and years US wage wars across the globe and that doesnt look like a defensive acction.

[@mariuseu7493]

Vezi ca si Transnistria a fost pamant romanesc si nu stiu despre ce ocupatie vorbesti tu.Mananci cacat cu polonicu si vad ca n-ai nici o treaba cu istoria.Esti un romul..nu român

[@kennethferland5579]

If unification is peaceful and desired by both sides it is not prohibited by any treaty which denounced territorial claims, such treaties are denouncing territorial gains via the use of force.

[@saschab.5154]

Unification can only make them stronger, Moldova is too small to ever become strong enough.

[@JohnK004]

There are about 5 smaller countries in Europe and they seem to do just fine...

[@abdulbassitmohammed1915]

Very informative and interesting video, thank you very much.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thank you so much! Always appreciated. :-)

[@marcocolo7151]

Congrats James very interesting video! I would be very interested in a video about Transnistria since it's a very obscure and complex topic

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thanks so much Marco. I wondered what you would make of it! I would be keen to do a video on Transnistria. It is a fascinating topic. But, as you say, there are a lot of complex elements to it.

[@sorinjasoncnd5560]

Correct and well researched evaluation

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thanks so much!

[@JohnRodriguezSantos]

Thank you for your insights. Hope both countries become one prosperous economy sooner.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

So, could we really see Romania and Moldova unify? And how do you see it happening? Thoughts and comments below. On another note, if you find these videos useful, please do consider becoming a channel member. kzbin.infojoin It really does help enormously. Many thanks!

[@marinescurazvan]

Yes I could see it

[@Todd.B]

Not in my lifetime, unless there is some unforeseen event that forces the change. I can kind of relate as there are a small group of people here in Oregon that want to join Idaho, a majority of people don't take them seriously. My question is, if the Moldovan constitution prevents them from joining NATO and Romania is a NATO partner, wouldn't it then be unconstitutional to re-integrate back into Romania? I used to talk with a few people in Romania back when I was on social media and their great, I love the people and their history is fascinating from the gypsies to Vlad the Impaler. Multumesc is the only Romania I learned so far though. Multumesc Prof.

[@mkh7370]

@@Todd.B The Moldovan "constitution" was written by pro-Russian puppets in charge of Moldova

[@Todd.B]

@@mkh7370 regardless of who put it in their constitution, it’s there and as long as it’s there doesn’t that prevent any reunification?

[@mihai03]

I hope that you will return to visit Romania. It is a fascinating country with a lot of tourist spots, a rich history and culture. And also now with the war in Ukraine, it represents a strategic point on the eastern flank of NATO, together with Poland and the Baltic states. PS: Do you think that Finland and Sweden will join NATO by the end of 2022?

[@matthewbell4273]

Very good video. I suspect that it is the best video on this topic that there is. Just subscribed.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thank you so much Matthew. And a very warm welcome the channel!

[@excromospherae]

Very clear and informative 👍

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thank you very much!

[@jonkeuviuhc1641]

I really got to say Great Job. In many cases I when I watch or read english language media talk about Romania, I always can find something that shows a lack of a deeper understanding of the situation or poorly done reasearch. This video isn't one of those cases, everything important was mentioned. Great Job again.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thank you so much. I was really helped by a visit to Romania few weeks ago. (I was staying near Cluj. My first time there. Absolutely lovely!) I had wanted to cover this issue for quite some time, but I realised that there were certain elements that didn't make a lot of sense as an outsider. It was only when I could talk to some leading Romanian historians that it all seemed to make sense. So, if it seemed to get a sense of Romanian thinking it was due to their wonderful input! :-)

[@ingridorphe4419]

As a Romanian, I wish to say: ''Trăiască România Dodoloață!''

[@pabloastudillo6903]

Always wanted to know about Moldavia and their coexistence with Romania- Thank You very informative

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thanks. Really glad it helped. :-)

[@ancavoineseanu6496]

Thank you for teelling about us☀️

[@elchacha5246]

Well done, James! Very informative and a good summary of the complex context. Given the on-going war in Ukraine and Russia`s plans for the land corridor all the way to Transnistria, I believe (perhaps biased) that a potential unification has become more tangible than ever. Yes, we have all the economic & geopolitical dimensions to work through but harder things have happened! Practically, should this unification ever happen, in my opinion the best form of government would be a devolved administration for Moldova (as per UK`s model). Moldova would keep a Parliament and will be able to make decisions on anything but national security, immigration, defence etc. However, I don`t see an easy solution for Transnistria - perhaps a Kosovo model with the territory becoming independent. Sounds easy in theory! I encourage you to research Gagauzia, another autonomous territory within Moldova - although nowhere near as difficult to manage as Transnistria.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thank you so much. I had wanted to cover this for ages. It is just such an interesting situation. But there were aspects that didn't necessarily make much sense when viewed from outside. Luckily I had the chance to visit Romania recently and had a great opportunity to discuss this with some leading experts on the country. That helped a lot. But it will be incredibly interesting to see how attitudes towards unification change in Moldova given Russia's latest apparent war aims. Thanks for the thoughts on Moldova and unification. The Scottish model could make a lot of sense. The key question might be how to unite the territories, but keep the door open to separation if the sides decide that they don't think it is working. As for Transnistria, it is a tough one. It is such a complex and seemingly contradictory dispute. I really didn't do it any justice in this video. I will have to try to return to the issue soon. I really should also take a look at Gagauzia. You are absolutely right. It is a fascinating territory as well.

[@eedragonr6293]

Thanks we don't want to remember how York was reunited to Lancaster.

[@stefanionutalexandru6916]

I don't know how this would help romania , it will only import Moldovans problems along with new ones , it will just complicate things even more, best if the join eu and nato on theyr own. But if we can fully integrate them , in a unitary state, no devolution, that's a whole different matter, but it still would be very difficult on the international political front and still risk the safety an well being of 20 mil romanians, so not worth It, at least not now.

[@3dfxvoodoocards6]

So by this logic, East and West Germany should have never been united because the East-Germany was 3x poorer per capita, had a regional identity, was much smaller than West-Germany, was influenced by Russia, was more corrupt, etc ?!?

[@BozesanVlad]

And because RFG was in NATO and EEC, and RDG was not. But not like this, to validate this circus (for US or Russia or for anyone). We can unite in time and in our terms.

[@eedragonr6293]

And did not have territories under Russian military occupation. Which in fact did not belong to them.

[@jeanpierreviergever1417]

There are a few very clear differences between Romania/Moldova and West/East Germany. 1. East and West Germany have always formed one country and were divided only 40 years, 2. There were no ethnic minorities that could influence the reunification. 3. East Germany did only marginally develop a regional culture apart from West Germany, cultural differences were smaller than between Moldova and Romania. 4. West Germany was able to economically carry the cost of reunification, whereas Romania is much less so.

[@sunrae3971]

East Germany was "more corrupt"? Sorry bs. The only Stories i know (East-German, 80s born) a rather about changing products to substitute mismanagement in the economy. Like i give you a bag of concrete, you give me xyz. Besides that common Corruption is and was the same like in West Germany. Till today i never encountered or heard from my social circle about public corruption in daily life, like Police or so. Usually it happened in Germany in Politics or Business in backrooms and when real high sums are on the table.

[@3dfxvoodoocards6]

@@sunrae3971 all reports and statistics I read showed that the corruption in East-Germany was far higher than in West-Germany. It would make sense since all colonies of Russia / Soviet Union were very corrupt and still are even today.

[@petrisalmimeri5026]

Hello from Finland mr. Professor. Thank you for yuor enjoyble and informative classes about politics on sovereignity. I thank you for a massive amount of information and a clear language in your videos. I could not personally perform verbally on this level because of my language barrier. But as a regular blue collar citizen of Finland I have a great opportunity to learn a lot on every of your videos here on KZbin. I guess I need to thank our schooling system. Anyway I'm looking forward to see your next videos here on KZbin. Best regards, Petri Salmimeri, bus driver

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Hello Petri. Thank you so much for your incredibly kind message. I really appreciate it. It is always wonderful to hear comments like this this. It really makes all the hard work worthwhile! :-) I hope that all is well at your end. I managed to make it to Finland a few years ago and had a lovely time. It is such an interesting country. On that note, do keep an eye out for this weeks video. I might try to take a look at Finland’s NATO application. (Although I also have another script I want to do. I haven’t decided which to make yet!) In any case, thank you so much again. Very best wishes from London.

[@AndreiIvanescuOficial]

That's a great explication in all KZbin. Thank you

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thank you so much!

[@echarts3710]

For a possible reunification, Gagauzia (a Christian Turkic autonomous territory) opposes it. Not only the government is closer to Russia, but Gagauzia will lose its autonomy in a reunification scenario because unlike Moldova, Romanian laws do not allow ethnic-based territories. This also applies for Transnistria.

[@fuguthefish]

Gagauzia is a joke formed by a couple of some villages full of brainwashed Russia-lovers, they can go to Russia or whatever. Otherwise Romania would guarantee them every right, they have one of the best plicies regarding ethnic minorities.

[@gabrielesimion3074]

It depends if the reunification is a dissolution of Moldavia in Romania (as happened with DDR in the FDR, the former ceased to exist but the latter not) or if they would create a totally new entity

[@sator3946]

Romania should give more autonomy to Gagauzia and Transilvanya then, by chaning the constitution

[@paulghencea9037]

@@sator3946 Harghita*

[@fuguthefish]

@@sator3946 No. :)

[@kables_net]

Very good video. Lots of documentation work. Congratulations. I would like to add one more aspect. The decoupling of Transnistria was made for a perpetual blackmail that would block any intention of reunification between Romania and Rep. Moldova. Equally interesting is that when the Russian army helped the Russian-speaking separatists, the slogans of Russian propaganda was that russians fighting against the Romanian "fascists" and "Nazis" who oppress the Russians (the same language used in Dondas and Lugansk).

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thanks so much. Transnistria is such a strange conflict. Outsiders often imagine that it is a wholly Russian territory, and that's why it wants to break away - but of course it isn't. Only a third are Russian. Likewise, there's a tendency to think that all Moldovans must be anti-Russian because of the issue, and yet they aren't. I really would like to do another video on it.

[@bujdososzekely]

Daniel B. , the romanian governement oppress the csangos ( hungarians ) in the same way in Csangoland , Moldova.

[@kables_net]

@@bujdososzekely Hungarians say they are being persecuted in Slovakia, in Serbia, in Ukraine and in Romania. They have something in common with the Russians. They are persecuted all over the world. No wonder Orban looks so much like Putin.

[@ketelin4285]

@@JamesKerLindsay Transnistria was mostly Russian before , meaning the Moldova was attached in 1940 to a tiny RASSM (formed in 1924) that was practicaly Transnistria of today with some bits that nowdays are in Ucraina . I would definitely love to see the knot untangled and Moldova free of that troublesome province . As you can see we barely want to reunite with ourselves :)

[@sticlavoda5632]

@@bujdososzekely How are they opressed?

[@Haillrs]

Thnks for this video

[@JagerLange]

I have to admit that I've seen this video recommended for me a few times since publication - but I put off watching because videos weighing in on E.European topics atm seem to be ten-a-penny. However, someone I know linked the video today and I thought "well it's cropped up enough times, may as well give it a go" and I'm glad to find this was an informative, reasoned look at the issue. Thank you for the video and I'll certainly watch more.

[@JamesKerLindsay]

Thanks so much. So glad you gave it a go. I know what you mean about all the videos at the moment. I find it a bit overwhelming too. But if it makes any difference, my background is really as a professor of SE European politics and international relations. :-)

[@JagerLange]

@@JamesKerLindsay Even better - thanks again :)

[@florinpetrescu809]

The union should happen because , just as you said, Moldova was a principality long time ago. The Russian, as they used this process also in other countries ( see Ukraine ,Georgia etc)split it in two and started the russification process to change the moldavian historical identity changing the language, bringing in Russians, deporting moldovans in gulags, in Kazakhstan etc .This kind of thing the Hungarians tried also in Transylvania with the people ethnically from that place ( nowRomanians), but after centuries of trying, there are still more Romanians then Hungarians in Transylvania. So yeah from this point of view, and for the many moldavians died for freedom in the time of Stefan the great, the state of Moldova should reunite with Romania..of course if both sides wishes so

[@davitka_p]

Lol Moldova was a principality, for a very short while. If you want to use that metric then it should be Russian, as they were integrated quite well into the Russian culture within the USSR much longer than being a principality with Wallachia and Translavania

[@r.b.15]

Wow what a bunch of lies. Firstly, Hungarians didnt try to change romanians we were the ones that invited them to Transylvania in the first place because they were fleeing the Turks. Romanians got free schooling, land and religious practice and even though assimilation was a natural process, they refused to do so. Romanians however have violently tried to assimilate the hungarian minority ever since by land confiscation, torture (especially in communism) and literal ethnic cleansing in WW II, not even talking about all the forced language barriers brought in during Ceaucescus rule and even earlier. I know romanians have a keen sense of propaganda and nationalism that makes them seem like the victims everywhere even though they were in a lot of cases the perpetrators but at least on international forums you could try to stick to the facts, if you already fail to do so at home.

[@visandavid5206]

@@r.b.15 we have stories from survivors claiming that you would kill and torture Romanians, just as you claim for Hungarians, it's both sided. Ethnic cleansing in ww2 couldn't have been possible since you owned north Transylvania and were also part of the axis. The communist tortured everyone who would rise against the government. Also it's a known thing Romanians didn't have rights back when the kingdom of Hungary was a thing and wanted to free itself from Austria, that's why there was a revolution in 1848. You can find this on Wikipedia also claiming that there was a forced assimilation (not taking into account the heterogeneous ethnic composition of the country. different regions and by imposing a single official language, ie Hungarianization). You can also find the link here: ro.wikipedia.org/wiki/Revolu%C8%9Bia_Rom%C3%A2n%C4%83_din_1848

[@visandavid5206]

@@r.b.15 another wikipedia page that i've found that shows us the massacres against Romanians and also Hungarians in 1848-1849 ro.wikipedia.org/wiki/Masacrele_din_Transilvania_din_1848-1849

[@r.b.15]

@@visandavid5206 It was no more forced then anywhere else so that not true. Also ethnic cleansing still happened in WW 2 especially when the russians came and romania seitched sides but even before that. Look at Iuliu Maniu guard. Hungarian armes forces have not participates in that at most, there were isolated incidents. Ceaucesus communism was especially repressive toward minorities and romanians had a fair amount of rights for their time in the Monarchy, not less than any other unrecognized minority. Keep in mind that Hungarians also revolted in 1848 and all revolts were struck down, not just the romanian one. My point is that romanian peasants were way more violent and led much more frequent ethnic massacres, just look at that Mihai guy in 1601 who is hailed as a hero in romania when he was just a bloodthirsty crook.