Foreign and External Economic Relations of Constituent Entities of the Russian Federation: Issues of Theory and Current Practice of the Republic of Tatarstan

Abstract

This paper marks the 100th anniversary celebrated by the Republic of Tatarstan and deals with the theoretical and legal aspects of foreign relations in Tatarstan. The relationship between such concepts as "international" and "external economic", "relations" and "affairs" was analyzed with respect to the cooperation developed by Tatarstan and other constituent entities of the Russian Federation with regions of foreign states. Various legal documents, the agreements on foreign and external economic relations of Tatarstan in particular, were studied. The linguistic interpretation of some disputable notions was performed. It was concluded that agreements between different states provide a legal basis for cooperation of their territories (regions), and the states bare responsibility for any violation of the international law by their constituent entities. The national law becomes a legal instrument for the activity of regions at the international level. The role of Tatarstan in the international scene was discussed: the activity of consular offices in Tatarstan, as well as the external trade turnover and foreign investments over the latest period were covered. Comments on improving the efficiency of relations between Tatarstan and other states were given.