What will be the durable impacts of Russia’s attempted recolonization of Ukraine on Eurasia’s economic and supply chain integration? The pre-2022 framework of China’s New Silk Road treated Russia and Belarus as the essential conduit for Asia-Europe overland trade. After the war, the roles and functions of each Eurasian state’s connection to the Silk Road must be re-examined. Some states that were peripheral players before, including Ukraine, have now been thrust into the limelight, while others may be bypassed altogether. The long-term equilibrium that is reached may have dramatic implications for investment strategies and future political alignment. Looking beyond statecraft, this book talk will examine the key variables and false assumptions that the invasion has exposed, as well as the potential of coalitions of transnational industrial stakeholders to eclipse and counter the aims of Eurasia’s current political leaders.
Refreshments will be provided.