Asymmetric interdependence allows «big neighbors» to exert economic
pressure (through trade restrictions or preferences) to ensure «small neighbors» political loyalty. The Russian Federation has employed this pressure notably more often than the EU. Nevertheless, in the past 10–15 years the trade connections
between Russia and the common neighborhood countries have lowered showing
a steady tendency that reflects the ongoing process of weakening Russia’s positions in these countries.
Keywords
EU and Russia in the 21st century, common neighborhood countries, geoeconomic situation, external trade ties, European integration, Eurasian integration.
