Интеграция постсоветских государств: возможности и перспективы развития

Abstract

The integration processes on the post-Soviet territory are complex and contradictory. The necessity and readiness to promote cooperation in various spheres and activities are declared within the framework of the CIS, hundreds of agreements are signed but practical results are much less impressive. The article considers the specific peculiarities determining to a large extent the process of integration of the post- Soviet states: the system socio-economic crisis in the conditions of emergence of state sovereignty and public life democratisation, transition to the open market economy, transformation of socio-economic relations, substantial differences in the level of industrial development of the states and ties with j u s t one state — Russia — dominating on the post-Soviet territory; the existence of more attractive magnet centres; unresolved inter-state and ethnic conflicts. The article stresses the importance and the necessity of the CIS and points out the factors facilitating integrational process on the post-Soviet territory. West European Integration experience is very instructive for the CIS countries. The article reviews the fundamental differences in the conditions of integration of the countries of Western Europe and the post-Soviet states and singles out the most important aspects of West European integration which have contributed to its success. Proceeding from the analysis and assessment of the possibility to use the European Union's experience for the CIS, the article substantiates the principles and main directions of the development of the post-Soviet states intergration: integration of states is not an a im in itself but a possibility to pool their efforts in solving social and economic problems; the main driving force of the integration processes in the CIS can only be a mutually profitable economic cooperation; gradual integration stage-by-stage; developing the "different speed" integration; focussing of the strategy and priorities of the CIS development; possibility for the CIS bodies to acquire a supranational mandate; raising the role and authority of the CIS Arbitration Court; rendering assistance to industries cooperation bodies; information provision of the public support of the CIS activities. The prospects of integrational interaction of the post-Soviet states within the CIS framework are discussed.