TRUST AS A PILLAR OF SOCIAL COHESION IN THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA: DYNAMICS AND INTERCONNECTIONS

This article addresses the complex interlink between the levels of social cohesiveness and trust in the Republic of Moldova, underlining that both aspects are significant in determining the country's democratic development. The research describes the trust dynamics by elaborating a profound review of the literature, using secondary data analysis and quantitative research provided by the Institute of Legal, Political, and Sociological Research. Based on sociodemographic information and comparative analysis from other countries, it assesses the degree of trust among people and institutions, especially in the context of pandemic problems. The paper discusses the controversial state-building initiatives of the Republic of Moldova, the oligarchs' strong position, pervasive corruption, and state capture in a position to deprive institutional trust. Unfair competition poses serious barriers to the electoral democratic framework. It does, nonetheless, point to areas of hope, which include media and political plurality, active civil society, and developments around specific reform areas. Equally important is the commitment of the Republic of Moldova to European values, with the European Union holding the key leverage in terms of democratic transformation. While trust is a crucial ingredient in elaborating social cohesion and resilience in the Republic of Moldova, the article argues that democratic improvements will require constant EU incentives.