INTR13-304: Eurasia

This subject introduces you to new relations emerging across Eurasia, involving Russia, the Ukraine, and wider Central Asia, including interactions with China and Northeast Asia. You will explore the economic, political, cultural and strategic interests that make this a vital but turbulent zone of interaction. The subject investigates particular themes including the current Russian effort to strengthen its global influence, the Ukrainian crisis, China-Russia relations, Central Asian ecological and developmental problems, the role of Islam, and the influence of Turkey. You will also learn about major regional organisations, such as the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the Eurasian Economic Union and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.  In ancient times, the Silk Road linked these regions through a shared interest in trade. Today, convergent economic interests are challenged by different perceptions of how security and political stability might be developed.