Hidden Borders in the European Gray Zone

Abstract

The "European Gray Zone" consists of the spaces of transition between open conflict and peace, currently present on the eastern border of the European Union. This is EU and NATO sphere of expansion, which coincide with the European ex-Soviet space, where Moscow continues to exert a notable influence. In a scenario of growing tension between these two blocks, to resolve integration processes or alliances towards one or the other polarizes society, according to its socio-cultural characteristics and political motivations. Through sociocultural, economic and political analysis (electoral results, linguistic predominance, ethnic minorities, regional economy), hidden borders can be established in these spaces, which can emerge in situations of crisis, the case of Ukraine in 2014. This study seeks to analyze the Ukrainian case and tries to identify other divisions in Belarus, Latvia and Moldova, making reference to the different realities of each country.