Expert and Analytical Centers (Think Tanks) in the Development of Cooperation Between Russia and the EAEU Partner States

This chapter discusses the main activities of expert and analytical centers (think tanks) in developing cooperation between the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) partner states. Both general scientific and applied methods are used in the study for a comprehensive analysis of the influence of expert and analytical centers on the development of foreign economic policy strategies and the development of cooperation between Russia and the EAEU partner states. The chapter considers the criteria defining goals and objectives, efficiency of activities, aspects of affiliation, the degree of influence, as well as mechanisms for introducing analytical projects of “think tanks” in the development of strategies for foreign economic policy of the EAEU partner states. The study defines a “think tank” as an organization representing an intermediary actor in public policy in the form of a research center or an informal association of experts, whose activities are aimed at solving complex problems of the society and a state, creating forecasts and recommendations by analyzing socio-political processes. The authors describe effective means of motivation to improve the activities of expert and analytical centers on the territory of the EAEU, i.e., to expand the range of existing and newly created ranking systems in order to index the activities of the centers, expand the methods of rating, and improve the image. The practical relevance of the study is due to the fact that its findings can be used as analytical material for governmental agencies and research centers specializing in the development of new principles and mechanisms for effective and mutually beneficial strategic interstate cooperation within the EAEU.