Specifics of the Political and Legal Documents of the EAEU with Third Countries

Abstract

This study examines “soft power” international activity instruments of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) with third countries within the framework of transregionalism on the basis of program documents and institutional formats. The study describes the experience of China, where soft power is used to achieve economic power and can act as a source of both attractiveness and pressure.Aim. The study to determine the feasibility of applying the concept of “soft power” in the field of international cooperation of the EAEU with third countries on the basis of program documents and institutional mechanisms.Tasks. The author determines the conceptual foundations of international cooperation between the EAEU and third countries, considers the EAEU program documents in the field of international cooperation, identifies the institutional formats of the EAEU in the field of interaction with third countries.Methods. The study uses methods of studying documents and content analysis to identify the competent authorities of the EAEU and existing institutional formats in the field of international cooperation. At the root of the EAEU’s activities, two principles can be traced: supranational, which is responsible for the functioning of the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC), and interstate, when member states can also be involved in negotiations.Results. This study shows that the EAEU implements four institutional formats for interaction with third countries, namely the Free Trade Zone; Interim agreement leading to the formation of a free trade area; Preferential and non-preferential trade agreements; Memorandum of understanding. Thus, the highest format of interaction between the EAEU and third countries is the Free Trade Zone. The choice of a specific institutional format with third countries is determined not only by historical and geopolitical characteristics, but rather a comprehensive analysis of the foreign policy and capabilities of a particular country.Conclusions. The EAEU’s international activities in the field of interaction with third countries are aimed not only at deepening and simplifying trade and economic cooperation, but also making it possible to promote soft power in the international global space through tools such as science, technology, innovation.

Keywords

• transregionalism
• “soft power”
• international cooperation
• regional economic integration
• free trade zone
• memorandum of understanding