Economic Results of Interstate Integration for Regions of the Russian-Belarusian Border Area

Abstract

This article examines the theoretical underpinnings of interstate integration and the practical impact of this process on the economic characteristics of border regions. The predominant perspectives of economists on the subject of international economic integration are subsequently examined. In the empirical section, within the framework of the research objective, which is to assess the results of the integration process between the Republic of Belarus and the Russian Federation for the economy of border regions, the dynamics of gross regional product per capita, living standards, and population size are analyzed. A prevailing finding in the relevant literature is that border regions have not shown comparable progress in their economic indicators as observed in the national context. The factor of interstate integration has not enabled the border regions of the Russian-Belarusian border area to overcome their economic peripherality. Problems that are frequently encountered in border regions are associated with demographic processes, underdeveloped income levels, and low growth rates of gross regional product (GRP). In order to address this delay, a proposal has been put forth to establish a transnational strategy for the advancement of border regions. This strategy would entail the coordination of industrial, economic, cultural, scientific, and educational initiatives within the Vitebsk, Mogilev, Gomel, Pskov, Smolensk, and Bryansk regions.