Izvestiya of Saratov University.
ISSN 1819-4907 (Print)
ISSN 2542-1913 (Online)


POST-SOVIET SPACE

The main directions of NATO interaction with the states of Central Asia in the XXI century

The article examines NATO’s interaction with Central Asian states in bilateral and multilateral formats over the past 20 years. Special attention is paid to the analysis of the Afghan factor in the relations of the parties. The author concludes that for several decades NATO has purposely tried to strengthen its geopolitical position in Central Asia in order to reduce Russia’s influence on regional security processes. 

EURASIAN UNION AND ITS PERCEPTION WITHIN THE POLITICAL ELITE AND THE EXPERT COMMUNITY OF PROSPECTIVE MEMBERS

The article analyzes the historical roots of the Eurasian Idea, the pro- ject of the Eurasian Union how it was represented in political discus- sion of the leaders of «Eurasian countries». Author traces the sources of formation and stages of development of the Eurasian Union, as well as perception of this project within the political elite and the expert community of prospective members.

China’s policy in Central Asia and Russia’s strategy

The article is devoted to the study of the geo-political changes in Central Asia. The expansion of China’s influence and Russia’s weakening are analyzed. The author defines the factors that Russia can oppose to the prospects for transforming this region into Pax Sinica

The Border Cooperation in the European Union’s Eastern Partnership Program

This article deals with the Eastern Partnership Program. It is an initiative of the European Union governing its relationship with the post-Soviet states – Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine. Particular attention is given to border cooperation, including the Eastern Partnership Territorial Cooperation Support Programme

STRATEGIC PLANNING IN POST-SOVIET SPACE: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF LONG-TERM PROGRAMMES

The article analyzes the process of strategic planning in the post-Soviet space. Using comparative analysis the author singles out two groups of the CIS countries with different long-term strategies. Special attention is given to the consideration of a new long-term Kazakhstan Strategy known as “Strategy of Kazakhstan-2050: A new political course for Kazakhstan in the fast changing world”.