От дезинтеграции постсоветского пространства к интеграционным проектам многополярного мира: ретроспективный анализ
From the disintegration of the post-Soviet space to the integration projects of a multipolar world: A retrospective analysis

Summary/Abstract: This article reflects upon the integration processes within the post-Soviet space, spanning the period from 1991, when the Soviet Union collapsed and the Belovezh Accords were signed, through 2024, which coincided with the BRICS summit held in Kazan on October 22–24 and marked the conclusion of Russia’s BRICS presidency. It is argued that the region has transformed to such an extent that contemporary scholars view it as part of Greater Eurasia or as Northeastern Eurasia, and the post-Soviet elites have long defined their political goals, with many adopting a multi-vector approach (where the partnership with Russia is one of such “vectors”). Particular attention is paid to the integration initiatives advocated by Russia. Using the results of a retrospective analysis, three stages of international political and economic processes in the post-Soviet space are identified: disintegration, diversification, and restructuring. The reasons behind the failure of the political integration projects in post-Soviet countries based on the Eurasian ideology and, conversely, the success of “functional” integration within the Eurasian Economic Union are discussed. It is concluded that the Russian Federation maintains its leadership in the space of North-Eastern Eurasia and also acts as a bridge between post-Soviet countries and emerging alternative centers of power represented by BRICS.

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