“The Border Across the Street”: The Permeability of Borders Between Divided Cities (In Moldova and Transnistria)

Abstract

This study pursues two main o tives—to identify the optimal method for estimating the permeability of a border between divided cities; and to assess the connectivity of three settlement areas on the MoldovanTransnistria border (Bender — Varnița, Dubossary — Corjova — Cocieri, and Rybnitsa Rezina). Using the dichotomy of “debordering” and “rebordering”, an attempt was made to identify whether the Moldovan-Transnistrian border is a barrier or is permeable. The article is based on expert interviews and field observations conducted on both sides of the border in 2014 and 2019. In autumn 2020, focus groups were held in Bender and Dubossary to understand the dynamics of cross-border flows, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The connectivity of the divided settlements was assessed according to 17 criteria, grouped into five categories: barriers on the line of demarcation; transport connectivity; socio-economic links; currency exchange; and telecommunications. The methodology can be applied to the study of the connectivity of other divided cities.

Our research exposed a paradoxical situation. At the official level, the de facto border between Moldova and Transnistria remains a relic of conflict and appears to be closed to bilateral links. However, in divided cities, many restrictions do not apply. Local residents find ways to circumvent the bans, indicating that the border is in fact permeable. The greatest intensity of cross-border contacts was revealed in Bender, the least in Rybnitsa. COVID-19 has significantly complicated the daily lives of the locals, particularly after Transnistrian authorities closed the borders within the cities. The securitization of borders has significantly changed the habits of the local population and determined the most significant areas of cross-border practices. However, people have adapted to the situation, and the divided cities remain linked by various socio-economic ties. Despite the border closure and severe bilateral restrictions, the populations of both banks of the Dniester have not stopped interacting.