Influence of West on Post-Soviet Space: Progressive Movement to Change Cultural Code

Abstract

The European Union is one of the external players in the post-Soviet space, considering the region from the point of view of a rich resource base and a new affordable market. Having taken shape as a subject of international relations in 1992, the EU began to spread its influence in the countries of the post-Soviet space. The article examines the evolution of the approaches of the European Union to independent republics. Initially, the post-Soviet space was perceived by the leaders of the European Union as one whole, and the mechanisms and instruments of influence were universal for all countries of the region (Partnership and Cooperation Agreements; TACIS technical assistance program). Due to the failure of a unified approach, the EU has begun to develop programs and strategies based on the specifics of individual regions of the post-Soviet space: Eastern Europe, South Caucasus, Central Asia. As a result of the targeted impact on states, taking into account regional peculiarities and challenges, the European Union has managed to achieve some success. The obvious victory of the European neighborhood policy was the emergence of an “associated trio” with the participation of Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia, who made their “European choice”. The countries of the South Caucasus and Central Asia are not interested in adapting to European values and standards, but they have a positive attitude to the investment investments of the European Union in the regions and are open to expanding trade and economic ties, which indicates the partial participation of the EU in the processes of the post-Soviet space.