Regional Integration in Eurasia: The Legal and Political Framework

Abstract

This article examines the legal and political aspects of regional integration processes in Eurasia since the end of the Soviet era. It contends that both political and economic factors are driving these processes, including the desire of a number of post-Soviet countries to consolidate regional peace and security and, also, to create a larger and more effective economic space, thus increasing these countries’ power and international influence. It also argues that the formation of a united Eurasia is being conducted in the framework of two separate but closely connected—with almost identical membership—international organizations: the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). This article provides some background to the CSTO and the EAEU and explains their consolidating factors. It also examines the institutional framework of these groupings and expounds on their purposes, principles, and major areas of cooperation. It argues that these two organizations, in combination, constitute a single de facto structure that, for discussion purposes in this article, is referred to as the Eurasian alliance. Finally, the article attempts to illustrate problems and to assess prospects related to integration processes in Eurasia.