Is Internationally Recognised Independence the Goal of Quasi-States? The Case of Transnistria

Some students of quasi-states say that these entities aim to obtain the acceptance of their independence by the international community. However, this thesis raises doubts, at least in case of Transnistria, a region with its capital in Tiraspol, that began functioning as a quasi-state in mid-1992 after gaining victory in a brief war with Moldova. The paper’s goal is to answer whether Transnistria really seeks international recognition as an independent state. It examines the position of two Transnistrian presidents — dominant figures in Transnistria’s political system — Igor Smirnov (1991-2011) and Yevgeniy Shevchuk (since December 2011), as well as of the party Obnovleniye (Renewal) which has controlled the Transnistrian parliament since 2005. The paper concludes that despite official declarations made by the Transnistrian authorities about seeking internationally recognised independence for their region, this nominal goal is not necessarily a real one. Generally, they position concerning Transnistria’s status is not so easily identified. They seem to be in favour of keeping the status quo and maintaining the quasi-state’s de facto independence. However, it appears that under conditions securing Transnistria’s rights and interests, the present Transnistrian president, Shevchuk, and the parliament controlled by the party Obnovleniye could truly support the idea of reintegration with Moldova.