S. A. Malchenkov. Regional Integration in the Discourse of Leaders of the Eurasian Economic Union Countries

https://doi.org/10.15507/2413-1407.134.034.202601.038-057
EDN: https://elibrary.ru/grzlhdISSN 2413-1407
УДК / UDC 329.9 (4-672 ЕЭС) ISSN 2587-8549

Abstract

Introduction. Against the backdrop of the coronavirus crisis and the widespread collapse of the established system of international relations, significant changes can be expected in the structure of partnerships among member states of interstate unions. The purpose of this study is to identify similarities and differences in the positions of the leaders of the Eurasian Economic Union countries regarding the trends and prospects of Eurasian integration.

Materials and Methods. The methodological principles of the study are based on the theory of discourse by E. Laclau and C. Mouffe, the use of which, in combination with comparative-historical and problem-chronological methods, as well as scenario forecasting, made it possible to establish a correlation between the positions of political leaders and the decisions they make. The empirical base was comprised of materials from the official websites of senior officials of the EAEU member states for the period 2015–2024. The applied research method was targeted quantitative content analysis. The selection and analysis were carried out using the Cribrum social media monitoring service.

Results. An analysis of statements by leaders of the Eurasian Economic Union states demonstrates a consistent and focused focus on Eurasian integration. Discursive strategies are varied: Kazakhstan emphasizes the economic component, while Russia and Belarus strive for multifaceted integration. Significant differences in understanding the boundaries of integration (including non-economic spheres) are revealed, as well as the dynamics of changing rhetorical positions depending on domestic and foreign policy factors.

Discussion and Conclusion. The leaders of the EAEU member states agree that the union has achieved significant results in various areas of economic cooperation. The main controversy concerns the possibility of expanding cooperation mechanisms, particularly in the context of geopolitical and ideological convergence. These results could be useful to the foreign policy ministries of the EAEU member states in synchronizing their joint efforts to develop Eurasian integration.

Keywords: Eurasian Economic Union, Eurasian integration, discourse analysis, state leaders, regional integration, public discourse, content analysis

Conflict of interest. The author declares no conflict of interest.

For citation: Malchenkov S.A. Regional Integration in the Discourse of Leaders of the Eu­rasian Economic Union Countries. Russian Journal of Regional Studies. 2026;34(1):038–057. https://doi.org/10.15507/2413-1407.134.034.202601.038-057

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About the author:

Stanislav A. Malchenkov, Dr.Sci. (Philos.), Professor, Director of the Historical and Sociological Institute, National Research Mordovia State University (68 Bolchevistskaya St., Saransk 430005, Russian Federation), ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3274-4410, SPIN-code: 9638-3807, stamal@rambler.ru

Availability of data and materials. The datasets used and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the author on reasonable request.

The author has read and approved the final manuscript.

Submitted 13.04.2025; revised 07.08.2025; accepted 21.08.2025.