“Belt and Road Initiative”: Trade and Security in Eurasia
The geostrategic importance of Eurasia, the landmass comprising the continents of Asia and Europe, is increasing as a consequence of the ongoing global power shift. Within this theme, we analyze how a rising China has increased its economic and political influence through policies such as the Belt and Road Initiative. Our research also includes major power competition as a central factor shaping the new landscape in Eurasia, especially the China-Russia-United States relationship. All of this has implications for medium and small states, which is a focus area for the CSS.
News
Publication | CSS Analyses in Security Policy
DownloadNo. 327: Central Asia in an Era of Great-Power Rivalry (PDF, 1.4 MB)
China has an opportunity to expand its influence in Central Asia significantly, as its recent summit with regional leaders demonstrated. This creates both opportunities and challenges for the Central Asian countries, which must contend with the effects of great-power rivalry on their region, argues CSS' Brian Carlson.
Publication | CSS Analyses in Security Policy
No. 323: Reaching for the Stars: China's Space Ambitions
In recent years, China has emerged as a major player in space exploration. With milestones such as the successful landing of a Chinese rover on the far side of the moon and the completion of its own space station, China’s space program has captured global attention. However, Beijing’s space ambitions have also raised concerns about the use of its space capabilities for military purposes and its lack of transparency in space operations, argues CSS' Sophie-Charlotte Fischer.
Recent Publications
Other Activities
Media Citation | Chinese Firm Sent Large Shipments of Gunpowder to Russian Munitions Factory
Last year, undisclosed transports between a Chinese state-owned company and a Russian munitions factory have emerged, triggering fresh inquiries into Beijing's involvement in Russia's conflict with Ukraine. The shipments of smokeless powder, despite being labeled as intended for the assembly of hunting cartridges in the customs documentation, have no direct connection to the Ukrainian war. Nonetheless, although such cartridges could theoretically serve hunting purposes, their usage for that intent was infrequent and, in this case, these cartridges are of military nature, asserts CSS’ Brian Carlson in this New York Times article.
Media Article | Zwischen Ost und West: der indische Spagat
In the struggle with Russia and China, India is being courted by the West as a partner. But Delhi does not want to take a clear side. To survive as an independent player, however, India must do more for its own development, argues CSS' Boas Lieberherr in this NZZ article.
external pageRead more (in German)
Media Citation | Xi ist der König von Eurasien, Putin sein folgsamer Untertan
In the wake of Xi's state visit to Moscow, it is becoming clear what dynamics are shaping Russian-Chinese relations. Speaking to Blick, CSS' Brian G. Carlson emphasizes Russia's dependence on China, which allows Beijing to make a number of demands on Moscow. However, China is also dependent on Russia - at least politically.
external pageRead more (in German)
Media Interview | Pallone sgonfiato
The suspected Chinese spy balloons shot down by the U.S. are fueling mistrust between the two world powers. In this Rete Uno Modem episode, CSS' Mauro Gilli and other experts discuss whether this is a temporary crisis or whether we are at the beginning of a new delicate confrontation.
external pageListen to the interview (in Italian)