KIRGIZİSTAN’IN AVRASYA EKONOMİK BİRLİĞİ ÜYELİĞİ: ASİMETRİK İLİŞKİNİN GÖLGESİNDE REFAH ARAYIŞI

Kyrgyzstan, one of the poorest countries of former Soviet republics, became a member of Russian led Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) in August 2015. With the membership, which was also supported by the majority of the public, it was thought that labor migration to Russia would gain legal status. It is also assumed that the country would attract the foreign investments needed for economic development, and foreign trade would increase in the regional integration process. However, there were also those who regarded the organization as an instrument of Russia’s pursuit of hegemony in the international system. Moreover, they argued that due to the asymmetrical relationship within the Union, it would seriously damage the country’s economy and further increase the dependence on Russia. This study examines the reasons behind Kyrgyzstan’s decision to become a member of the EAEU and evaluates its implications for the past seven years.