Ukraine, Georgia, and Moldova between Russia and the West

Abstract

Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova over the past five years have benefitted from increased trade with the EU, without however strengthening the rule of law to boost investments and lift them out of economic stagnation. The difficulties in bringing about lasting reform describes political processes, where the elites are unwilling or unable to break vested interests, despite the support and pressure exercised by the Western actors. Russia is also a factor in this, using its more limited capacity to counterbalance or undermine pro-Western forces.