Eurasia is no longer a passive space shaped by great powers but an active arena of contestation involving multiple overlapping conflicts and competing connectivity projects.
Central Asia’s population could reach 96 million by 2040, according to the head of the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB), highlighting both the region’s economic potential and the growing strain on infrastructure, trade routes and long-term development models.
At the World Economic Forum’s “Defining Eurasia’s Economic Identity” panel on 20 January 2026, leaders from Azerbaijan, Armenia and Serbia discussed how the South Caucasus and wider Eurasian region can strengthen economic ties, peace and geopolitical stability amid shifting global influence.
As the year draws to a close, Central Asia has taken a significant step towards deeper regional integration by formally bringing Azerbaijan into its decision-making framework. The move signals a broader shift towards political and economic coordination across Eurasia.
A major financing agreement has been signed for the construction of the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway, a flagship cross-border infrastructure project expected to reshape transport connectivity across Central Asia.
Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturian’s official visit to Georgia is testimony to a rapidly strengthening partnership between the two neighbouring state following the initialling of the Armenia–Azerbaijan peace agreement.
As leaders from across the region gather in China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit (SCO), Georgia is notably absent. While Azerbaijan and Armenia strengthen ties with global powers, Georgia stays on the sidelines despite being an official strategic partner of Beijing.
India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has urged China to work toward a permanent resolution of their border dispute, emphasizing the need to rebuild trust after the 2020 military clash.
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