Hidden geographical opportunities for convergence of Russian-Kazakh border area

Abstract

The 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 effects of convergence processes are observed in the border regions of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Kazakhstan. The past five 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). Therefore, the top-down initiatives have strengthened the processes of economic, social, cultural and political convergence of the regions of Russia and Kazakhstan. The purpose of this study is to consider the overlap and the double effect 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.

Keywords

• russian federation
• republic of kazakhstan
• cross-border cooperation
• convergence
• integration