Abstract

The chapter discusses Russia’s role in regional integration processes in Central Eurasia, focusing on the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) in particular. It starts by juxtaposing realist and liberal interpretations of regional economic integration of the former Soviet states. It then proposes using na ew regionalism approach (NRA) as a more suitable tool to address the issue. The case study of the EAEU details the slow rate of progress and criticism that the EAEU has received so far. The chapter ends with a discussion of the relationship between the EAEU and other regional integration entities in Central Eurasia. Of particular relevance here are organizations and initiatives presided over by China, such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the One Belt, One Road project. The chapter concludes that the prospective development of the Eurasian Economic Union will be fully tied to the regional integration proposals championed by Beijing.