Examining the foreign policy attitudes in Moldova

Area of Science:

• Social Sciences
• Political Science
• Sociology

Background:

• Moldova faces significant geopolitical and economic challenges, including ethnic conflicts and poverty.
• Understanding foreign policy attitudes is crucial in this complex context.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the correlates of foreign policy attitudes in Moldova using multilevel analysis.
• To investigate the influence of socio-economic and demographic factors, with a primary focus on poverty.

Main Methods:

• Multilevel analysis was employed to explain four distinct foreign policy attitudes.
• Poverty was measured using objective, subjective, uni-, and multidimensional indicators.
• An indicator of deprivation was derived using Item Response Theory.

Main Results:

• Deprivation, subjective poverty, ethnicity, and Russian media influence are associated with negative foreign policy attitudes.
• Satisfaction with economic conditions and positive attitudes toward refugees correlate with positive foreign policy attitudes.
• Individual- and regional-level factors significantly influence foreign policy orientations.

Conclusions:

• Socio-economic factors, particularly poverty and deprivation, play a key role in shaping foreign policy attitudes in Moldova.
• Media influence and ethnic background are also significant correlates.
• Addressing economic conditions and fostering positive societal attitudes are essential for favorable foreign policy orientations.