The nations of Ukraine, Moldova and Belarus are the new Eastern Europe – sandwiched between a larger EU and a resurgent Russia. Historically the object of volatile geopolitical shifts, none has ever existed as a state within its current borders, and none enjoys consensus on its respective national identity. All are located along key military, transportation and energy corridors linking Europe to Eurasia. Their problems-infectious diseases, organized crime, drug and human trafficking, pollution and illegal migration-directly spill over into the EU. Their success could benefit democracy, pluralism and the rule of law throughout the post-Soviet space. Their future will help shape Russia’s own destiny and ultimately determine where Europe ends.
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