Evolution of the Concept of Cross-Border Cooperation in Russian and Foreign Historiography

Despite cross-border cooperation being an object of study in the socio-humanitarian sciences, few studies comprehensively and purposefully overview its genesis, development, and transformation in historiography. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to examine the evolution of the concept of cross-border cooperation in the works of Russian and foreign researchers. Based on the principle of historicism, as well as using the methods of comparative, systemic, and content analysis, the author identifies the features of the transformation of crossborder cooperation in scientific thought. The research found that since the 20th century, the issue of cross-border cooperation has been actively studied in integration theories, paradiplomacy, and multilevel governance. In Russian and European historiography, cross-border cooperation is understood as (1) concerted actions aimed at strengthening good neighborliness and the development of border territories; (2) cooperation of authorities of neighboring states; and (3) a form of international relations. Russian and foreign approaches differ in the fact that in Russian legislation, the subjects of cross-border cooperation are state actors, while in European legislation, they are territorial communities. Russian law uses the term “crossborder cooperation,“ and in EU law there are also notions of “transboundary cooperation“ and “transnational cooperation.“ The works of Russian authors consider cross-border cooperation as an international activity of Russian regions, while European sources also analyze cooperation within the EU.