Central Asia, the historical bridge and connecting
space between Europe and the traditional Asian great powers China and
India, has re-emerged as a sphere of economic and political interest
and the arena for a new “Great Game”.
The US, Russia and China compete for influence and access to resources
in Central Asia, and the ruling elites of the Central Asian Countries
either try to balance between the competitors or strike the most profitable
alliance to ensure their rule.
The European Union still plays an inferior role, but interest and involvement
in the region rises with security and energy issues on the forefront.
The conclusion of an energy partnership with Kazakhstan and Germany’s
effort to create a Central Asian strategy of the European Union in 2006
and 2007, prove the rising commitment to the region.
The Section shall discuss questions such as:
- What is the present and potential role and impact of Europe in
Central Asia?
- How can Europe acquire and retain its own profile as a global player
in the region?
- What is the role of culture and art in the European-Central Asian
relationship?
- What role can Europe play in and contribute to the Central Asian
countries’ search of identity?
- Can the tradition of the Silk Road as a connecting route not only
for the transportation of goods, but also for the transfer of ideas,
know-how, culture and religion be revived and turned into a mechanism
of intercultural dialogue?
- Which role can creativity, art and cultural exchange play as means
for this dialogue and the transformation of societies in the Eurasian
space?
