ABSTRACT
For objective historical, economic and political reasons, Russia plays a key role in organizing Eurasian integration processes. Public opinion surveys conducted by Integration Barometer reveal that Russia is consistently viewed as a unifying centre in the countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).1 They look to Russia for an innovation breakthrough and signals of impending systemic changes. They also trust that the national interests of the states participating in Eurasian integration will be accommodated. Whereas opinions vary substantially on the socio-cultural and economic vectors, views on political and particularly military-political ties are relatively uniform. A majority in almost all post-Soviet republics lean toward Russia in matters of political solidarity and military mutual aid, and Russia ranks first on the list of friendly nations in a survey conducted in nine CIS countries.2
