ABSTRACT
The chapter focusses on the case of Gagauzia from 1989 till 1995, a borderline case of a de facto state, which within several years of its formation voluntarily reintegrated with its parent state. The chapter provides evidence that in none of the areas examined (internal policy, economics, or foreign policy) was the Gagauz de facto state viable. The author claims that one of the main reasons which made reintegration possible was the fact that Gagauzia lacked a patron state which would intervene in order to support Gagauzia’s separation.
