Rekeda S.V.

This article provides a theoretical and practical justification for the concept of the fifth freedom (the freedom of knowledge) for the Eurasian Economic Union as a necessary stage in the development of integration in the context of intensifying geopolitical competition. The authors argue that modern regional integration goes beyond purely economic logic and incorporates humanitarian, normative, and value-based dimensions. A comparative analysis of the approaches of Turkey, China, and the United States to interaction with post-Soviet countries demonstrates that leading external actors utilize tools of humanitarian influence to advance their interests. The US approach relies on the network of loyal NGOs and media outlets established in the post-Soviet space over the past decades, China is developing its own infrastructure of humanitarian influence, and Turkey is developing a common value-based and ideological space. The further development of the Eurasian Economic Union and the successful technological modernization of its member countries are impossible without the formation of a common scientific and educational space. The fifth freedom initiative could become an adequate response to new challenges in global politics and the competitive environment of regional integration.