Preconditions, driving forces, and contradictions of integration of post-Soviet states in the Eurasian Economic Union

Utkelbay R. Zotov V. Cherednichenko O. Egorov I.
2026 Routledge

Asian Journal of Political Science
2026 #34 Issue 1 189 - 210 pp.

This study deconstructs the trajectory of post-Soviet states’ integration into the EAEU by analyzing its institutional architecture, economic imperatives, and structural contradictions to elucidate the interplay between supranational aspirations and national sovereignty. The study employs a comparative institutional analysis, examining the divergence between legal codification and functional effectiveness; historical institutionalism, identifying cyclical recalibrations of integration trajectories in response to exogenous constraints; and mixed-method modelling, which integrates panel regression models—quantifying trade flexibilities and fiscal redistributions—with content analysis—deciphering inconsistencies in integration agreements and regulatory frameworks. The findings reveal systemic asymmetries: Russia accounts for 86% of the EAEUs GDP, dictating macroeconomic parameters, while Kazakhstans export diversification—42% directed toward non-EAEU markets—signals centrifugal tendencies, illustrating the constraints of market unification (intra-bloc trade increased by 35.5% between 2015 and 2019 but declined to $77.3 billion in 2023, highlighting structural volatility). The study provides a foundation for restructuring Eurasian integration policy—addressing investment asymmetry (Russias 80% dominance in intra-union FDI hampers balanced industrialization), enhancing regulatory coherence (discrepancies between national and EAEU trade policies sustain re-export arbitrage rather than structural convergence), and mitigating external dependence (Chinas growing economic gravitational pull—$22 billion in FDI to Kazakhstan—undermines EAEU cohesion).

Economic convergence , Geopolitical Economy , Institutional Asymmetry , Regional Integration , Supranational Governance , Trade and Investment Dynamics

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Department of International Relation and World Economy, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, Kazakhstan
School of Law and Public Policy, Narxoz University, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Department of State and Municipal Management, State University of Management, Moscow, Russian Federation
Department of Economic Theory, Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, Moscow, Russian Federation
Research Laboratory Center for Integrated Research of Regional Security Problems, Pskov State University, Pskov, Russian Federation

Department of International Relation and World Economy
School of Law and Public Policy
Department of State and Municipal Management
Department of Economic Theory
Research Laboratory Center for Integrated Research of Regional Security Problems

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