Kolosov VLADIMIR, ,
The paper is based on the concept of bordering as a continuous multifaced and complicated social process. The social role, functions and regime of post-Soviet borders are extremely dynamic. The desire of new independent states to distance from Russia, leaning on external centers of power, often took irrational forms. An important part of the post-Soviet space became an arena for a clash of two integration impulses emanating from the EU and Russia (“Eurasian integration”). Western support for the illegitimate coming to power of alternative political groups in post-Soviet countries provoked extreme irritation of Russian authorities. They interpreted Eurasian integration to the increasing extent as a tool to counter centrifugal tendencies. Thus, the functions and regime of many post-Soviet borders largely depend on the attitude of the authorities to the integration processes under the auspices of Russia. An important reason for the dynamism of post-Soviet borders is the asymmetry and asynchronous economic development of the countries of the former Soviet Union. Deepening socio-economic gaps along the borders did not contribute to cross-border cooperation. The peripheral position of most of the border regions, their depopulation, the weakness of urban networks and the remoteness of important cities from the borders also played a role. Disintegration processes in the post-Soviet space as a whole clearly prevail over integration processes. However, there are also signs of "normalization" of the post-Soviet borders. Their international legitimation (delimitation and demarcation) is coming to an end. The “nationalization” of transport networks and other infrastructure (their adaptation to the existing borders) continues successfully. The population of border areas has learned to benefit of border location. Finally, the institutions of cross-border cooperation have emerged, although they are not yet effective enough.
Mots clés : borders|bordeing|post-Soviet space
A105287KV