Chisinau, Moldova’s capital city, is extremely pleasant at the height of spring, with green, treelined streets, spacious parks filled with strolling couples and happy children, and sidewalk cafes offering Balkan and Mediterranean fare washed down with Moldovan wines. Yet worrying images intrude upon these idyllic scenes. Some side streets and sidewalks are in disrepair, construction on many multi-story commercial and residential buildings seems suspended, and “for rent” and “for sale” signs adorn countless, apparently empty structures around the city’s center.
About the Author
William H. Hill
Former Professor of National Security Strategy, National War College, Washington D.C.
William H. Hill is a Global Fellow at the Wilson Center. A retired Foreign Service officer, Dr. Hill is an expert on Russia and the former Soviet Union, east-west relations, and European multilateral diplomacy. He served two terms – January 2003-July 2006 and June 1999-November 2001 – as Head of the OSCE Mission to Moldova, where he was charged with negotiation of a political settlement to the Transdniestrian conflict and facilitation of the withdrawal of Russian forces, arms, and ammunition from Moldova.
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Kennan Institute
The Kennan Institute is the premier U.S. center for advanced research on Russia and Eurasia and the oldest and largest regional program at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. The Kennan Institute is committed to improving American understanding of Russia, Ukraine, and the region through research and exchange. Read more
