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In this article, an atternpt is made to speculate on the necessity
of regional integration w thin ECO. Critical of transplanting the
Western model of integration, I warn about dangers of a monolithic view in dealing with integrative goals. In accordance with the warning, I s uggest a dual strategy of cultural particularism and civilizational universalism. Moreover, I present
may own interpretation of challenges confronting Central Asian states. Based upon the above conceptualization and historical challenges, I will attempt to analyze the process of integration and its comparative advantage.