Analysis of the regional integration theory on the example of the EAEU

The article is dedicated to the analysis of liberal intergovernmentalism by Andrew Moravcsik. It is applied to study integration communities all around the world and is relevant for examining the EAEU. A.Moravcsik distinguishes three stages of the integration process: formation of national preferences (priorities), intergovernmental bargaining and realisation of its commitments at the institutional level. At the third stage institutions are endowed with supranational authority, which becomes possible through pooling or delegation of sovereignties. Applying this model, the author describes the reasons for making the Eurasian choice. They include the common need to develop transnational cooperation, enlarge the market for local producers and protect it from third parties, present the Union as an independent actor of international relations. The author gives examples of cases of the negotiation process around signing the Treaty on the EAEU and demonstrates issue-linkages based on asymmetrical interdependence within the Union. The study analyses the institutional implementation of interstate agreements and activities of the Eurasian Economic Commission, which is the supranational body of the EAEU. The Commission regulates different aspects of integration processes in the common markets for goods, services, capital and labor. The article proves that liberal intergovernmentalism is applicable to the case of Eurasian integration.

theory of regional integration, Andrew Moravcsik, liberal intergovernmentalism, integration communities, eaeu, post-Soviet integration