Diplomatic Interactions

Diplomatic Interactions

Comparative Study of Diplomacy of the Eurasian Economic Union and BRICS Towards Integration

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Somayeh Mokhtari 1
Mohammad Kazem Sajjadpour 2
Mahnaz Godarzi 3
1 PhD student, Department of International Relations, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, Isfahan, Iran.
2 Professor, Department of International Relations, Faculty of International Relations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tehran, Iran.
3 Associate Professor, Department of International Relations, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, Isfahan, Iran.
10.22034/dpiq.2025.530231.1043
Abstract
Problem Statement
After the establishment of the European Common Market, several economic integration processes emerged worldwide, including ASEAN, NAFTA, Mercosur, ECO, SAARC, the Southern African Development Council, and the Southern African Customs Union. Integration levels differ across regions, depending on political will, market openness, and trade concessions. Consequently, various types and stages of economic integration—preferential trade, free trade, common market, customs union, economic union, and political union—have formed globally. The Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and BRICS are recent institutions aimed at fostering strong and coherent economic and political cooperation, enhancing national and collective interests, and influencing the global economy and international politics.
Objective
This dissertation employs a qualitative comparative approach to analyze the state of integration in the EAEU and BRICS, aiming to:
Increase understanding and knowledge of economic integration processes
Classify and evaluate institutional achievements
Identify possibilities for harmonization and unification of integrative measures
The central research question is: Which of the Eurasian Economic Union or BRICS has achieved greater success in the field of integration?
The research hypothesis posits that the EAEU has been more successful in trade integration, whereas BRICS has achieved greater political and economic influence.
Methodology
A qualitative comparative study was conducted to examine the integration strategies and outcomes of both organizations, considering their structural, political, and economic differences.
Findings / Results
Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU)
The EAEU has focused on economic coherence from the outset, promoting integration in agriculture, energy, industry, banking, and pharmaceuticals. Its achievements include institutionalization, regulatory development, trade growth, reduction/elimination of tariffs, preferential agreements, free trade agreements, and customs unions with third countries. Success largely depends on member states’ political will and capacities.
BRICS
BRICS has successfully influenced global economic growth and trade despite lacking formal economic integration mechanisms such as preferential trade agreements or a common market. It operates as an intergovernmental coalition of influential developing countries and emerging markets, facilitating global trade expansion. BRICS relies on statements and memoranda of understanding rather than binding institutional regulations, yet it has a significant impact on international trade and the economies of developing countries.
Conclusion
Both EAEU and BRICS have created trade among their members and promoted economic development, albeit through different mechanisms. EAEU demonstrates deeper integration through institutionalized economic cooperation, whereas BRICS leverages political influence and flexible intergovernmental collaboration. This supports the research hypothesis: while differing in nature and structure, both institutions have enhanced economic integration and promoted state-driven development models, with EAEU emphasizing formal integration and BRICS offering easier membership and influence.
Keywords
BRICS
Common Market
Eurasian Economic Union
Free Trade
Integration
Trade

Subjects

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Diplomatic Interactions
Volume 3, Issue 9
Summer 2025
Pages 63-118