Eurasia is home to some of the world’s most influential civilizations—China, Russia, the Middle East, Central Asia, and Europe. Throughout history, control of Eurasia has often been seen as key to controlling global power.

• Halford Mackinder’s "Heartland Theory" (1904) – He argued that whoever controls the "Heartland" (Central Asia, Russia) would dominate world politics.

• The Silk Road & Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) – Historically, Eurasia was the center of trade and cultural exchange. Today, China's BRI seeks to restore its economic centrality.

• Great Power Competition – The U.S., China, Russia, the European Union (EU), and regional powers like India, Turkey, and Iran all vie for influence.

Eurasia is not just a geopolitical space; it is a battleground of different political worldviews and ideological paradigms.

A. The Russian "Eurasianist" Cosmology

Russia has long promoted Eurasianism, an ideology that envisions Eurasia as a unique civilization distinct from both the West and East. Key aspects include:

• Multipolarity: A rejection of U.S.-led unipolar dominance.

• Orthodox-Slavic Identity: Emphasizing Russia’s cultural and historical ties to both Europe and Asia.

• Security Sphere: Viewing Central Asia and parts of Eastern Europe as Russia’s "near abroad" and buffer zone.

This ideology influences Russian policies, such as:

• The Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) as an alternative to Western economic structures.

• Military interventions in Ukraine and Georgia to prevent NATO expansion.

B. China’s Sinocentric Cosmology

China sees itself as the rightful center of Eurasia based on its long historical legacy.

• "Tianxia" (All Under Heaven): An ancient Chinese concept that positions China as the natural leader of a harmonious world order.

• Belt and Road Initiative (BRI): A modern reimagining of the Silk Road, creating an economic and infrastructural network spanning Eurasia.

• Technocratic Hegemony: China promotes a model of governance based on economic development and digital surveillance rather than Western democracy.

China’s vision is economic-centric, prioritizing trade, infrastructure, and political non-interference, but it competes with both Russia’s and the West’s geopolitical strategies.

C. The Western Liberal Cosmology (EU & NATO)

Western Europe, backed by the U.S., envisions Eurasia through a liberal democratic lens.

• The EU’s Vision: A rules-based international order, economic interdependence, and the spread of democracy.

• NATO’s Strategy: Containing Russian and Chinese expansionism while securing European allies.

• Energy & Economic Warfare: Sanctions on Russia, energy decoupling, and controlling critical technology supply chains.

D. The Islamic Cosmology of Eurasia

The Middle East, Turkey, and Central Asian nations have unique geopolitical worldviews shaped by Islamic identity and historical legacies.

• Turkey’s Neo-Ottomanism: Erdogan’s Turkey sees itself as the leader of the Turkic world, stretching from Anatolia to Central Asia.

• Iran’s Shi’a Geopolitics: Iran positions itself as the protector of Shi’a Islam, extending influence in Iraq, Syria, and beyond.

• The Gulf States’ Strategy: Balancing between Western economic interests and growing ties with China.

Islamic cosmology in Eurasia often serves as a counter-narrative to Western secularism, shaping alliances and conflicts.

Eurasia’s geopolitical cosmology is increasingly defined by regional blocs and shifting alliances rather than a single dominant power.

A. The China-Russia Axis

• United by opposition to U.S. hegemony but have competing interests in Central Asia.

• Military coordination (Shanghai Cooperation Organization - SCO).

• Energy and trade partnerships strengthened post-Ukraine War.

B. The EU-U.S. Atlantic Order

• Promotes democracy and free markets but is struggling to maintain cohesion post-Brexit.

• EU’s dependence on Russian energy challenged by shifting alliances with the U.S.

C. The Rise of Middle Powers

• India: Asserts its own multipolar vision, balancing the U.S., Russia, and China.

• Turkey: Plays both sides, engaging with NATO while building ties with Russia and China.

• Central Asia: Increasingly independent from Russian control, leaning towards China’s BRI.

Eurasia’s cosmology is not static; it is evolving through new geopolitical realities.

1. The Decline of Western Influence: The U.S. and EU struggle to maintain dominance in Eurasia as Russia and China assert themselves.

2. China’s Rising Economic Power: Through the BRI and technological influence, China is creating an alternative global order.

3. Russian Resurgence or Decline? Russia’s war in Ukraine has weakened its long-term strategic position, forcing deeper dependence on China.

4. Energy Politics: Shifts in oil and gas markets are reshaping alliances, particularly with the Middle East.

5. Digital Sovereignty & AI Wars: Eurasian powers (China, Russia, and the EU) are competing for dominance in AI, surveillance, and blockchain technologies.

Eurasia’s geopolitical cosmology is multipolar, ideologically fragmented, and economically interconnected. It is the epicenter of the struggle between:

• China’s economic empire

• Russia’s security-driven Eurasianism

• The West’s liberal-democratic order

• The Islamic world’s geopolitical awakening

• The rise of new regional players like India, Turkey, and Central Asia

Eurasia’s future will be shaped by how these forces interact—whether through cooperation, competition, or conflict. The region’s destiny is likely to define the next century of global power.