Hidden geographical opportunities for convergence of Russian-Kazakh border area

Th e study of cross-border interactions of the former Soviet republics is in the centre of research of many experts in border studies. Dynamics and positive eff ects of convergence processes are observed in the border regions of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Kazakhstan. Th e past fi ve years have clearly demonstrated the hidden geographical potential of cross-border cooperation between these states, which is explained by a qualitatively new phenomenon in the post-Soviet space – the formation of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). Th erefore, the top-down initiatives have strengthened the processes of economic, social, cultural and political convergence of the regions of Russia and Kazakhstan. Th e purpose of this study is to consider the overlap and the double eff ect of “hidden” and “formal” integration of border regions of Russia and Kazakhstan and to assess their impact on the social and economic development of border territories.