MECACS member Dr Nina Lutterjohann has recently published an article with ZOiS Spotlight

Pandemic-induced border controls have curtailed freedom of movement; tourist-dependent economies have particularly suffered. But what of conflict zones, where essential crossing of disputed boundaries was already complicated, if not outright dangerous? The focus here is on those that emerged with the demise of former Soviet Union and have over the course of almost three decades developed into de facto entities. Abkhazia and Transnistria, which are known for their relatively viable institutions and powerful elites that seek either the continuation of the limbo status, independence or—as in Transnistria’s case—incorporation into Russia, temporarily closed their borders to curb the spread of the pandemic. The commentary shows how Covid-19 still affects trade and people’s everyday routines. Despite the eased conditions since June on the permission for the movement of services and persons in Transnistria, it has contributed to increased illegal trade. Cross-boundary activities were difficult before in Abkhaz-Georgian relations. The stringent border measures have reinforced mental barriers, as examples in which de facto authorities refrain from mutual support have shown. Sadly, if predictably the pandemic will likely extinguish the limited engagement developed, and intensify division and distrust.

Read the full article on the ZOiS website.