Understanding Eurasia !
Understanding Eurasia !
Eurasia refers to the largest continental area on Earth, encompassing the combined landmasses of Europe and Asia.
The term ‘Eurasia’ is both geological and geopolitical,
reflecting the vast region's physical characteristics as well as its complex sociopolitical dynamics.
Geologically, Eurasia is a single landmass that includes all of Europe and Asia, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west and the Pacific Ocean to the east. The Arctic Ocean lies to the north, while the Mediterranean and Indian Oceans are to the south. Some geographers argue that Eurasia should be considered one continent due to the absence of a significant body of water separating Europe and Asia, as they are primarily situated on the same tectonic plate.
According to some geographers, physiographically, Eurasia is a single continent.
To the ancient Greeks, Asia originally included Africa but they classified Europe as separate land. Eurasia is connected to Africa at the Suez Canal, and the two are sometimes combined to describe the largest contiguous landmass on Earth, Afro-Eurasia. From the point of view of history and culture, Eurasia can be loosely subdivided into Western Eurasia and Eastern Eurasia. (Sengupta, Anita (2009). Heartlands of Eurasia: The Geopolitics of Political Space. Lexington Books. p. 25. Anthropologically, historically and linguistically Eurasia is more appropriately, though vaguely subdivided into West Eurasia (often including North Africa) and East Eurasia).
Geopolitical Context
The geopolitical definition of Eurasia is more contentious and varies based on political perspectives. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, the term gained prominence in discussions about the economic and political integration of Russia with Europe, including Ukraine. Russian political scientists often view Eurasia as encompassing territories that were part of imperial Russia before World War I, which includes parts of Eastern Europe and Central Asia. In contemporary discussions, "Greater Eurasia" is sometimes used to describe a broader region that includes Russia, China, and Central Asia, reflecting the growing geopolitical significance of these areas in global politics.
Cultural and Historical Perspectives
The historical division of the world into Europe, Asia, and Africa dates back to ancient Greek civilization, which established cultural and geographical distinctions that persist today. This tradition has led to the perception of Europe and Asia as separate continents despite their physical continuity.
Regional organisations and alliances
Across Eurasia, several single markets have emerged, including the Eurasian Economic Space, European Single Market, ASEAN Economic Community, and the Gulf Cooperation Council.
There are also several international organizations and initiatives which seek to promote integration throughout Eurasia, These organizations play significant roles in shaping the economic, political, and security landscape of Eurasia, reflecting the region's complexity and diversity. including:
Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) :a political and economic association of 10 post-Soviet republics in Eurasia formed following the dissolution of the Soviet Union. The CIS encourages cooperation in economic, political, and military affairs and has certain powers to coordinate trade, finance, lawmaking and security. In addition, six members of the CIS have joined the Collective Security Treaty Organization, an intergovernmental military alliance that was founded in 1992.
Eurasian Economic Union : The Eurasian Economic Union is an economic union established in 2015 including Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and observer members Moldova, Uzbekistan, and Cuba. It is headquartered in Moscow, Russia and Minsk, Belarus. The union promotes economic integration among members and is theoretically open to enlargement to include any country in Europe or Asia.
Russia-EU Common Spaces : a joint European Union and Russian agreement to closer integrate Russia and the EU, remove barriers to trade and investment and promote reforms and competitiveness. In 2010, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin called for common economic space, free-trade area or more advanced economic integration, stretching from Lisbon to Vladivostok. However, no significant progress was made and the project was put on hold after Russia-EU relations deteriorated following the Russo-Ukrainian War in 2014.
Shanghai Cooperation Organisation : a Eurasian political, economic and security alliance, the creation of which was announced on 15 June 2001 in Shanghai, China. It is the largest regional organisation in the world in terms of geographical coverage and population, covering three-fifths of the Eurasian continent and nearly half of the human population.Members: Includes China, India, Russia, Pakistan, and several Central Asian countries. Purpose: Focuses on political, economic, and security cooperation. The SCO addresses regional security issues, economic cooperation, and cultural exchanges among member states, enhancing stability in Eurasia.
Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) : Members - Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Armenia. Purpose- Established to promote economic integration among member states, facilitating the free movement of goods, services, capital, and labor. The EAEU aims to create a common market similar to the European Union, coordinating economic policies and harmonizing regulations.
Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) : Members: Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. Purpose: A military alliance aimed at collective defense and security cooperation among member states, responding to external threats and ensuring regional stability.
Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) Members: Over 100 countries, including many Eurasian nations. Purpose: Provides funding for infrastructure projects across Asia, enhancing connectivity and economic development in the region, which is crucial for the Belt and Road Initiative.