Abstract
This article analyzes the possibilities & constraints of the Russian Far East’s cooperation with Northeast Asian countries. Despite its geographical location & richness in natural resources, the RFE’s efforts to cooperate & integrate further with other Northeast Asian countries have not met with much success. First, foreign investment & other cooperative measures between the RFE & its neighbors have never been satisfactory. Second, economic difficulties in the RFE have aggravated racist & xenophobic attitudes, which in turn have been exploited by local politicians, much to the chagrin of potential foreign investors. Third, the recent financial problems in Japan, South Korea, & other East Asian countries also have had a negative impact on the RFE’s efforts to integrate further. From a long-term perspective, however, if Russia & the RFE abolish irrational business practices & excessive bureaucratic red tape that currently discourage foreign trade & investment, economic conditions in the RFE will improve & its integration with Northeast Asia can be worked out. Furthermore, if the RFE launches international cooperation projects centered on selected areas — such as a triangular type of economic cooperation between Russia & both South & North Korea — their prospects for success will increase.