Foreign Experience of Territorial Reintegration: Implications for Russia

Abstract

The studies on the reintegration of territories are becoming more relevant due to the changing geopolitical agenda and the tasks facing Russia. The article overviews works by Russian and foreign authors, dedicated to integration and reintegration. They are divided into two groups, varying on the level of analysis, systemic and individual. The overview lays a basis for a two-level model to study reintegration in the three spheres that are economic, political and social and cultural. Using the model, the article analyzes two cases in contemporary history, namely the reintegration of East Germany into the FRG and that of Hong Kong into the PRC. Comparing them, the study found some differences which prove the importance of opting for the strategy in all spheres of social system. In addition, the article assumes that at least one catalyzing element is needed to urge reintegration. In both cases it was economics that gave impetus to reintegration, while culture produced consolidation. The study provides conclusions considering the prospects of further reintegration studies.