Geopolitical narratives and strategies of small states in relation to the Eurasian discourse

Abstract

The article aims at unfolding the perception of the Eurasian geopolitical script according to small states. The author argues that the concept of Eurasia is not inherently present in the geopolitical reasoning of smaller states, which is why they only react to the Russian and Chinese narrative. Despite proclaiming equality and mutual development, the geopolitical script put forward by Moscow and Beijing gives the former a subordinate role in actual implementation. In this situation, small states predominantly accommodate to the rise of Eurasia in one of two ways, depending on their perception of the risks and opportunities associated with the related projects – i.e. risk contingency and profit-seeking. In this way, the concept of Eurasia is not internalized by small states as a geopolitical script, but viewed as a process consisting of both threats and opportunities.