Making of Eurasia

"The Making of Eurasia investigates the two chief competing order conceptions and economic initiatives in Central Asia - China's Belt and Road Initiative and Russia's Eurasian Economic Union. This book analyses the extent to which these opposing order conceptions contribute to friction over political domination of the region. China's 'One Belt, One Road' initiative launched in 2013 in order to expand infrastructure and trade links between Asia, Africa and Europe while also promoting the rise of Chinese influence in global affairs. In 2015 the Russian-led Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) was also established, bringing into question whether these two models for the region would be compatible. By focusing on three case studies - Kazakhstan, Iran and Mongolia - Pieper examines the extent and levels of cooperation and confrontation which take place as a result of these initiatives within a geopolitical context. The book also reflects on the wider international significance of these competing regional policies to global leadership debates, given the emergence of a new Eurasian trans-continental political space. This study will provide valuable insight for students and scholars of International Relations, Asia Studies and Security Studies."--