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The Role of Small States in Integration Projects in the Eurasian Space: The Case of Armenia

https://doi.org/10.17803/2313-5395.2021.2.16.270-288

Abstract

The geopolitical interpretation of political processes taking place in the South Caucasus region ignores the possibility of an independent external policy of the smaller states that do not possess considerable military or economic power. Nevertheless, small states build their relations with Russia, the EU and other actors in accordance with the national political discourse that does not often correspond to the realist paradigm of international relations. The case of Armenia exemplifies membership in integration projects often described in academic literature as competing ones. As a consequence, the importance of closer research of internal political processes and factors that influence the decision to join one or another regional project increases. Cooperation with the EU, which has been strongly connected to partners’ commitment to democratic norms, human rights reforms and rule of law, was considered as an important part of their external policy by all the three South Caucasus countries. For the moment, the Eurasian Economic Union does not designate the normative component of cooperation with member countries. In this sense, the Eurasian project has still to define itself.

About the Author

A. S. Ayvazyan
Institute of Europe, Russian Academy of Sciences
Russian Federation

Anna S. Ayvazyan - Research Associate

Mokhovaya St., 11-3, Moscow 125009



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Review

For citations:


Ayvazyan A.S. The Role of Small States in Integration Projects in the Eurasian Space: The Case of Armenia. Kutafin Law Review. 2021;8(2):270-288. https://doi.org/10.17803/2313-5395.2021.2.16.270-288

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ISSN 2713-0525 (Print)
ISSN 2713-0533 (Online)