In their historical evolution, states have been guided by certain doctrines, strategies and policies in ensuring national security and defense. Some states have decided to join certain alliances or political-military organizations, others have adopted statutes of neutrality, e.g. Switzerland, Ireland, Austria, including the Republic of Moldova, etc. However, today, in the context of the military invasion of the Russian Federation in Ukraine, the neutrality of states is no longer considered a norm or even a guarantor of security, but rather an exception, for example two neutral states, Sweden and Finland, have applied for NATO membership, which was unanimously accepted.
Today, in the Republic of Moldova, neutrality is becoming an increasingly discussed term, but there is confusion about the meaning of neutrality, providing premises for false narratives that misinform the population about the country’s defense needs.
But what does neutrality mean?
In general, the term neutrality, derived from medieval Latin, has been defined as the situation of states that do not take part in wartime combat.
As a rule, neutrality is a concept established by laws, treaties or even traditions, which legally restrict a state’s involvement in war, but also oblige the belligerent parties to respect the integrity of the neutral state.
In 1994, the Republic of Moldova proclaimed its permanent neutrality in the Constitution, arguing that the states of the world, including those of the former Soviet space, recognizing the independence of the country, would also respect the status of neutrality. Moreover, this status will be a solid help in resolving the conflict on the left bank of the Dniester River and will ensure the withdrawal of Russian troops from the territory of the Republic of Moldova.
So the question arises: how does neutrality work and what are the essential conditions for its existence, including for the Republic of Moldova?
First of all, when the inviolability of the territory of the state is respected, but military troops of other states are still stationed on the territory of the Republic of Moldova, the Russian Federation is thus not complying with the commitments undertaken by signing agreements with the Republic of Moldova on the withdrawal of military forces and munitions from the territory of the country.
Secondly, the status of neutrality must be recognized – for the Republic of Moldova neutrality has a unilateral character, as it has not been recognized by other states or international organizations. In other words, non-recognition of the status of neutrality deprives the Republic of Moldova of security guarantees from other states and organizations.
Thirdly, the declaration of neutrality must be credible, i.e. there must be a defense capacity, as a neutral state under threat has the right to legitimate self-defense against an armed attack directed against its sovereignty and territorial integrity. This right was also recognized by the 2017 Constitutional Court judgment. In addition, the fact that the Republic of Moldova is not part of the EU or NATO diminishes Moldova’s ability to rely on the direct support of other countries in case of tense situations. This is why a neutral state is obliged to ensure the inviolability of its territory with a modern and properly equipped army. And bilateral or multilateral cooperation becomes an essential component in the development of the defense sector.
What else is there to know about neutrality?
Humanitarian aid and development cooperation, as well as refugee aid either in disasters or international armed conflict, can be provided by neutral states. Neutrality has no influence on migration and refugee movements, which are often consequences of armed conflicts, environmental destruction and natural disasters.
Finally, neutrality is a behavior in an international armed conflict, not a position on specific issues or opinion. Neutrality does not mean impartiality: even a neutral state has the right to political views and cooperation and can promote its fundamental values and interests to ensure national security.
