Political economy of regionalism in Eurasia

Baitimbetova, Merim (2024). Political economy of regionalism in Eurasia. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

This thesis addresses the question of why countries choose regional integration with some neighbouring states but not others. It contributes to the fields of comparative political economy and comparative regionalism. A theoretically informed empirical study examines two cases of the Central Asian (CA) republics of Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan and their respective integration decision with the Central Asian Economic Union (CAEU), the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). The literature emphasises some factors over others as the main drivers of regional integration, namely economic benefits and costs, geopolitical concerns about external security, and the impact of domestic political systems. However, these insights do not satisfactorily explain why these CA republics, independent since 1991, still seek regional economic integration (REI) in Russia-led initiatives instead of integration within CA or wider Eurasia region. This study aims to fill this gap using the private and public interest framework. The latter of which includes consideration of economic and geopolitical components.
This thesis employs qualitative content analysis to generate findings and conclusions based on policy documents, policymakers' speeches, elite-level interviews, and trade and investment statistics. For the two case studies of these CA republics, the economic component dominated in the structure of the interests. The main determinants in the economic interests were existing trade and infrastructure dependencies and labour flows. The promise of economic modernisation and development was another factor favouring regional integration. Economic integration had to generate economic and external security benefits for these two CA republics. Political leaders favoured integration if non-participation risked their capacity to hold power and/or the integration initiative had the potential of generating an increased positive legacy of the incumbent’s time in office. The republics will, therefore, only choose integration if and when all three interests align.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):