Integration Dilemmas of the Common Economic Space

Abstract

The paper addresses key political economy dilemmas associated with the formation of the Common Economic Space (CES) by Russia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan. Analysis is focused on alternative integration strategies, prospects of the CES enlargement, and elimination of trade and investment barriers. Unification of regulatory norms and technical standards using the EU experience as well as negotiating free trade agreements with the EU and countries of the Asia-Pacific are shown to be crucial for the future of the CES project.

Keywords

• economic integration
• common economic space
• new regionalism