Cooperation of Russian Regions with International Organizations: Formats and Opportunities on the Example of the Republic of Tatarstan

The article studies the issues of interaction between the constituent entities of the Russian Federation and international organizations, the importance of this type of international cooperation for the socio-economic development of the regions and for the implementation of the Russian foreign policy. The possibilities of participation of the constituent entities in the promotion of national interests on the world stage in the context of increasing external pressure on Russia are considered. The analysis of the issues of political and legal regulation of international and foreign economic relations of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation is given, including the questions of participation in the activities of international organizations. The article introduces a classification of formats for the interaction of regions with international organizations and characterizes the features of their implementation, the transformation of the international activity of the regions is demonstrated, according to the evolution of the foreign policy priorities of the state. To evaluate the performance of models of cooperation with integration institutions of various types, the experience of the Republic of Tatarstan is being studied. The importance for socio-economic development and improving the quality of life of the population by participation of the regions in the activities of international organizations as part of the Russian representation in them, or building relationships with international associations at the level of regions and local authorities, as well as holding events under the auspices of international organizations is confirmed. Alternatives for involving the constituent unities in the implementation of essential areas of Russian foreign policy are proposed. The positive role of the regions in maintaining contacts between Russia and a number of leading international organizations is also discovered, along with the search for new low-politicized formats of cooperation, such as partnerships with international associations and structures at the level of local authorities. The potential of the regions appears highly-demanded in the implementation of Russia’s consistent policy to form a multipolar world order.