Geografie 2026, 131, 223-245
Deconstructing the (geo)political identity of the Gagauz: Why is the quadratic nexus out of tune?
Charles University, Faculty of Science, Department of Social Geography and Regional Development, Prague, Czechia
Received May 2026
Accepted June 2026
This article examines the formation of geopolitical and ethnic identity in the Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia in Moldova through the lens of constructivist nationalism theories, critical geopolitics, and Smith’s concept of the quadratic nexus. Based on 12 semi-structured interviews conducted across the political, media, educational, and business sectors, the study demonstrates the existence of a deep “identity paradox” in which ethnic Turkic identity is decoupled from geopolitical orientation. Despite strong cultural and historical ties to Turkey and significant economic support from the European Union, Gagauz society remains predominantly oriented toward Russia. The article argues that pro-Russian geopolitical identity functions as a defensive mechanism protecting the ethnic boundary against perceived assimilation by the Moldovan state. The findings challenge the deterministic assumptions of the quadratic nexus by showing that external normative and economic incentives are filtered through historical trauma, motivated reasoning, and geopolitical stratigraphy actively reproduced by sub-state political elites and the Russian-speaking media space.
Keywords
Gagauzia, Moldova, geopolitical identity, ethnic identity, quadratic nexus, Russkiy mir.
Funding
This article was written with the support of the project Where have all the natsmen gone? Ethnic Minorities in the Post-Soviet Area (GAČR 22-13347S).
