Specifics of Political and Legal Documents on Cooperation between the EAEU and third Countries (part 2)

This study examines the transregional interaction of the EAEU with third countries within the framework of the concept of “soft power” on the basis of concluded cooperation agreements bearing international legal obligations.

Aim. The study aims to identify the features of the bilateral interaction of the EAEU with Vietnam, Singapore, China, Serbia and Iran within the framework of the concept of “soft power” based on a comparative analysis of political and legal documents on cooperation.

Tasks. The author defines the conceptual foundations of the economic dimension of “soft power”; considers political and legal documents on cooperation concluded between the EAEU and Vietnam, Singapore, China, Serbia, Iran, and identifies the components of “soft power” on the basis of the concluded documents.

Methods. The study uses methods of content analysis and comparative analysis of political and legal documents on cooperation based on criteria such as legal form, institutional mechanism, areas of cooperation to identify the features of bilateral cooperation between the EAEU and Vietnam, Singapore, China, Serbia, Iran and the components of “soft power”.

Results. The study shows that the “soft power” components of political and legal documents on cooperation are more presented in the relationship between the EAEU and Vietnam and Singapore. It is the provisions of these agreements that most often mention scientific and technical cooperation and the implementation of joint research projects, scientific and educational exchange, and education issues. Nevertheless, there are risks in the field of integration interaction between the EAEU and the aforementioned countries, due to both the geographical factor and their specifics in building integration relations with third countries.

Conclusions. Transregional interaction between the EAEU and the above-mentioned countries is aimed at the exchange of information, liberalization and transparency in trade, support for the mechanisms of the World Trade Organization (WTO). An analysis of political and legal documents on cooperation between the EAEU using the example of Vietnam and Singapore demonstrates the opportunities for the EAEU not only to integrate into the global economy and strengthen competitiveness, but also to increase the attractiveness of the EAEU states in terms of promoting the “soft power” strategy.

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