The evolution of Eurasian relations in the spirit of Great Silk Road: Review of the scientific materials

Abstract

In the review article, based on the methods of evolutionary and institutional theory, system paradigm, analytical assessment and historical approach, a comprehensive review of scientific materials concerning the evolution of trade, economic and military-political Euro-Asian relations and organizational and institutional directions of the revival of the spirit of the Great Silk Road (GSR) as an instrument of innovation and integration interaction in the space of global Eurasia, including without the participation of China, is given. The study is a continuation of the authors' work on the analysis of the consequences of the PRC's Belt and Road Initiative as a "soft power" for the spread of Chinese global influence. The review, classification and analysis of scientific materials concerning various forms of geopolitical confrontation between states and regions for control over trade routes, which can be carried out both through the formation of a huge empire and the creation of interstate-corporate partnership in order to ensure the economic security of long-distance trade from the Mediterranean and Northern Europe to East Asia, are presented. It is shown that the establishment of Euro-Asian relations took place in various nodal points and territories of the world economy: Central Asia, the Italian trade republics, the Nordic countries, as well as through the creation of global trade empires and quasi-state corporate structures by European states. The systematization of risks and negative consequences of the functioning of modern trade routes, the revival of the spirit of the GSR on the political and economic situation of Russia is given. Special attention is paid to scientific research, which warns against overly active involvement of the country in world trade. The vectors of Russia's participation as a leader in the innovative and industrial development of trade routes of the XXI century, primarily in the North-South direction, are determined.