Eurasian Integration Yearbook 2012

Evgeny Vinokurov. “The Customs Union and the SingleEconomic Space: Towards the Eurasian Economic Union”Introductionof Eurasian post-Soviet integration. This paper provides comprehensive insightinto the general patterns of regional integration in the post-Soviet space andhow the extensive experience of the European Union is being carefully rethoughtby its eastern neighbours.The section on The Economics of the Post-Soviet and Eurasian Integrationaims to knit together what we call the ‘two Eurasian integrations’ – that is,the post-Soviet and continental ones. Evgeny Vinokurov and Alexander Libmansummarise the findings of their two monographs, each of which focused on oneof these two types of Eurasian integration. Throughout the last two decades, theterm ‘Eurasia’ has been used more and more by scholars and practitioners, butthe definition of the term has remained unclear. This lack of clarity is amplifiedfor the concept of Eurasian integration. The authors elaborate on the conceptof Eurasia and Eurasian integration, distinguishing between three notions of‘Eurasia’ and corresponding views of Eurasian integration, and evaluate theirimportance in literature and possible research developments. The next paper byJohannes Linn, a well-known and influential proponent of Eurasian integration,delves into the intricacies of Central Asia. Based on the large body of research,Linn elaborates on the opportunities provided by this region, which could wellserve as the laboratory of continental integration in Eurasia.The following three contributions bring us back to the post-Soviet space,covering three complex issues: public finances (Elvira Kurmanalieva andKonstantin Fedorov); mutual investments (Alexey Kuznetsov); and EDBIntegration Barometer (by Igor Zadorin). All three papers originate from theprojects undertaken by the EDB Centre for Integration Studies. AlexeyKuznetsov’s account in particular presents the database on mutual investmentin the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), which includes around 600examples.The section on Advanced Economic Cooperation in Sectors and Industriesfeatures three sectors: air transportation and electric power (Aigul Absametova);and hydropower and water management in Central Asia (Vladimir Yasinskiy,Alexander Mironenkov and Tulegen Sarsembekov). Based on our assurednessthat robust integration is formed primarily ‘from the bottom up’ by means ofsubstantial cooperation, the EDB continues to publish a series of reports oncooperation in particular sectors and industries throughout the post-Sovietspace.The fourth section, Data and Reviews, reflects the structure of previousYearbooks representing a very substantial source of information for researchersand students. It includes a chronicle of regional integration by NataliaMaqsimchook, a structured digest on the main events in post-Soviet integrationin 2011. The Key Macroeconomic Indicators in CIS Countries complement theChronicle. Ella Baibikova’s overview of international and regional developmentbank activity in the CIS rounds off this section. Multilateral development banksEurasian Development Bank17