The rapid depopulation that covered vast regions of Central and Eastern Europe has had long-lasting consequences not only for their socioeconomic, but also political development. For unrecognized polities, the ability to retain population became an important criterion for successful competition with the mother state for citizens' loyalty, the legitimacy of political regimes, and claims to sovereignty. The aim of the study is to identify the impact of depopulation on the socioeconomic situation and political life of the unrecognized Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic (PMR, or Transnistria) in comparison with the Republic of Moldova (RM). On the basis of official statistics, the authors compare the rates, factors, and reasons for population decline in the PMR and RM. The consequences of depopulation typical of Central and Eastern European countries and specific to Transnistria and Moldova are shown. Assessment of migration losses in general for these territories and their individual regions shows that population outflow in Transnistria began earlier and was more intensive than from the Republic of Moldova. In Moldova, depopulation is intensifying the identity crisis and contradictions between Moldovans and supporters of unification with Romania; in the PMR, the instability of political life, uncertainty of the region's prospects, and an increasing critical attitude towards the authorities.

The article describes the copper coins (puls) minted in the 1360s in the Golden Horde city of Shehr al-Jadida (New City), located in Old Orhei (Republic of Moldova). The article offers a comparative analysis of the results of studying these coins by other scientists. The catalog of the article contains data on 593 coins, including photographs of 164 of them. Coin images of identified varieties of original and imitative puls have been restored and their drawings are presented. The evolution of the use of the “islimi” ornamental substrate technique on the puls of Shehr al-Jadida is presented. Based on a study of stamping dies, a grid of correlations of dies was built and a classification of puls was created. The boundaries of the use of the former Juchid copper puls in re-minting Shehr al-Jadida coins at the early stages of their issue are determined. The criteria distinguishing original issues from imitative ones are revealed. These include the simplified, barbaric nature of the legend and images, as well as the absence of any connection between the stamping dies and the coins of the original issues. An analysis of the die characteristics of the coins of the New City, found in various regions of Moldova and Ukraine, allows us to conclude that the mint of Shehr al-Jadida could work only on the territory of the modern Old Orhei. The article is provided with a large number of illustrations, including previously unpublished varieties of copper puls.

The paper examines the current demographic crisis of Transnistria, an internationally unrecognised state that separated from Moldova in 1990 followed by a short violent conflict in 1992. Much has been written about the conflict between Moldova and Transnistria. What these studies largely neglected to mention is that the region is experiencing a strong demographic decline for two reasons: sinking birth rates and high outmigration. This has consequences for economic development, education, healthcare, and the social infrastructure in both rural and urban areas. These trends are discussed against the background of the unique political situation of Transnistria and in light of similar demographic processes taking place in East Central and Southeastern Europe. The authors draw conclusions about the stability of the region and the relevance of the demographic situation for conflict transformation. The paper is based on studies conducted in Transnistria and fieldwork undertaken by the authors.