Impact of crisis in Russia–Ukraine relations on cross-border interactions in Belgorod oblast

Abstract

A case study of Belgorod and Kharkiv oblasts examines the current state of cross-border interactions between Russia and Ukraine after the 2014 crisis. Changes in socioeconomic indicators of the neighboring regions are evaluated, as well as their dynamics in response to the crisis in mutual political relations. Strengthening of border barrier functions is found to trigger curtailment of bilateral interactions and intensification of underground shadow types of professional and business activities. Analysis of the directions of cross-border population flows have revealed their asymmetry. Four principal dimensions of borderland cooperation are explored: infrastructural, institutional, economic, and social. A conclusion is drawn that in a setting of political crises, the infrastructural and institutional dimensions of cooperation are the most heavily impacted by external factors and are noticeably transformed. At the same time, economic and social interactions, though weakened, do not cease completely and retain the potential opportunity for restoring cooperation, given favorable conditions arise.