Eurasia: The geopolitics

This was the first task for the conference — to define Eurasia as a geopolitical concept. Is it a vast landmass stretching from the Atlantic to the Pacific, or is it essentially Central Asia and its neighbours?

The heart of Eurasia, by common definition, comprises the former Soviet states: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine and Uzbekistan. But is ’Eurasia’ much more than just Central Asia and the neighbouring CIS states?

The presence and participation in the Forum of delegates from the Far East, Middle East, Indian Sub-Continent and the rest of Europe certainly ensured that a broader definition informed much of the debate.

Anthony Robinson of the Financial Times, London, chairing the first session, set the scene with a rhetorical question and a broad brush answer: «Where is Eurasia? I guess it’s where Europeans feel a bit Asian and Asians feel a bit European.»

Homing in on Central Asia, he said that only 10 years ago it had been the most isolated part of an isolated Soviet Union, an area of stagnant Soviet lakes. «Now it is one of the most dynamically developing regions in the world,» he said.

But Robinson added that the ancient Silk Road had been reopened not only to trade but also to smuggling — narcotics, weapons and other contraband — and to terrorism.

«Central Asia has become the epicentre of anti-terrorist activity,» said Chingiz Aitmatov, Kyrgyzstan Ambassador and writer, adding that the media of the region had a vital role to play in consolidating democracy and promoting East-West communication.

Along with the geography, the discussion ranged over the complex politics of the region.

Are we on the verge of a replay, with a separate cast, of the Great Game — a rush for domination of Afghanistan and the surrounding area in the 19th Century? Will the new Great Game, with the massive oil reserves in the Caspian Sea as the prize, become a major geopolitical factor in this century?

«It is clear that the political kaleidoscope has shifted dramatically since September 11, 2001, with major changes in the U.S.-Russian relationship. U. S. President George Bush has sought a clean break from Cold War attitudes, while the attacks on the United States provided Russian President Vladimir Putin with the catalyst for which he was waiting. Speaking of the US-led so-called war on terrorism, the drugs menace, organised crime and other issues, Rosemary Righter of The Times of London, said: «Putin believes that Russia and the United States are in this together. There is an enduring transformation in Russia’s relations with the United States.»

Much depends on results and whether the allied campaign in Afghanistan fails to ensure stability. This could be aggravated by the U.S. military build-up in the region, which has already caused anxiety in countries such as Iran and China, as well as in Russia.

However, Marat Tazhin, Kazakhstan’s Secretary of Defence, said the clear-cut stand of the United States against terrorism had helped to prevent a wave of hysteria.

There was no more important issue today than the fight against international terrorism, he said, and journalists must help by exposing extremism and overcoming stereotypes in their reporting.

«The mass media must not close their eyes to the global threat of international radicalisation,» he said.

This was not the Great Game of the 19th century but an unprecedented fundamentalist revolution, which sought to change the accepted norms of behaviour.

Neither Asian culture nor ’liberal’ European values — under attack at present from right-wing forces — offered firm orientation in this ’lost world,’ Tazhin said.

Reflecting on the history of the region, Robert Elegant, author and journalist, said: «The Great Game was largely imaginary and the big clashes never came, although they threatened to.»

On China and perceived threats to the Eurasian region, Elegant said: «I don’t really think the Chinese are coming. I see no Chinese threat at this time. The Chinese are not very anxious to take military action, especially in Kazakhstan, where they would prefer to build pipelines.»

Andrew Rearick, director of Golden Eagle Services in Kazakhstan, said Central Asia — Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan — was unknown to most people until September 11. 

The five are at different stages of development in a region with some rivalries and compete for international investment. The watchword here is cooperation — «If they fail to work together, this will detract from their geopolitical significance» – Rearick said.

Professor Armen Sarkissian, director of the Eurasia Centre at Britain’s Cambridge University, said: «Sustainable growth can no longer be separated from solid democratic foundations. We need visionary leadership in all aspects of society, including the media».
«Where is Eurasia? I guess it’s where Europeans feel a bit Asian and Asians feel a bit European»
– Anthony Robinson Vedomosti Newspaper