The patron–client relationship between Russia and Transnistria

Abstract

The chapter aims to analyze the patron-client relationship between Russia and Transnistria. More precisely, it investigates Russia’s and Transnistria’s rationale behind the establishment of their patron-client relations, the benefits derived by both parties from their relationship, and the efforts to legitimize their association. It then discusses the dynamics of the patron-client relationship between Russia and Transnistria. The chapter draws on previous theoretical and empirical research on relations between patrons and clients, covering both the Cold War and post-Cold War periods, as well as on secondary sources on Transnistria and statements made by the Russian and Transnistrian authorities.