حمیدرضا بوترابی

Abstract:

There are two different levels in Eurasia. On the one hand, Russia, seeks an exclusive influence in the post-Soviet space to strengthen its great power position and to guarantee its regional supremacy. On the other hand, China which is trying to develop its economic influence in a huge part of the geographical region, while hiding it behind multilateralism, can challenge Russia's interests in Eurasia. It should also be noted that BRI is an opportunity for Beijing to change the established political order. How does the relationship between China and Russia in the Belt and Road Initiative affect Russia's Eurasianism? This is the principal question that guides the analytical narrative of the present research. The paper hypothesizes that the relationship between China and Russia in the Belt and Road Initiative will intensify Russia's Eurasianism due to strengthen China's geopolitical influence and economic interests in Central Asia. This research collects data using library and internet sources. The collected data is organized in an explanative way. The conceptual framework that organizes the content The theory of Russian Eurasianism provides the means of analysis of who Russia is and Russia's perception of international politics, and a distinct understanding of the sources of threats and different conflicts of Russian foreign policy. In sum, the paper maintains that two distinct approaches to influence are underway in the Eurasian region, which will ultimately end with Russia's response. These differences have wide consequences in the bilateral relations between Russia and China and in turn the position and role of the two powers in the international order.

Keywords: Russia-China relationship, Russian Eurasianism, Belt and Road Initiative, Central Asia