EAEU Perceptions: Research from Armenia, Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan – Dr. Zhanibek Arynov

A new study by Zhanibek Arynov, Assistant Professor at Nazarbayev University, examines public perception of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) in Armenia, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan, ten years after the organization’s formation. The research, detailed in a recent publication, offers insights into how citizens of these nations view the bloc’s impact on their economies and political landscapes.

Arynov’s work focuses on assessing the EAEU’s standing within these member states, a critical evaluation as the union navigates its second decade. The study’s findings are particularly relevant given the evolving geopolitical dynamics in Central Asia and the Caucasus. According to Google Scholar, Arynov’s research interests include Central Asian geopolitics, regionalism, and EU-CA relations.

The EAEU, established to promote economic integration among its members – currently Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia – has faced varying degrees of public support. Arynov’s research aims to unpack the nuances of this support, identifying key factors that shape public opinion. The Diplomat reported that Arynov shares insights gleaned from his research, offering a timely analysis of the EAEU’s current position.

The study’s methodology and specific findings were published on February 27, 2026, in an article available through Taylor & Francis Online. The research provides a contemporary assessment of the EAEU’s effectiveness and its perceived benefits and drawbacks within the three surveyed nations. The article’s abstract indicates a focus on public perception, suggesting a qualitative or survey-based approach to data collection.

Arynov’s profile on Google Scholar indicates a consistent research output in the field of regional organizations and Central Asian foreign policy. His work contributes to a growing body of scholarship examining the EAEU’s role in the region and its implications for international relations. The study’s release comes at a time when the EAEU is seeking to strengthen its economic ties and expand its influence in the post-Soviet space.