As the Eurasian Research Institute (ERI), we have been presenting our weekly E-bulletin publications to our readers, in which we have evaluated the issues in the Eurasian region within an academic framework since 2015. We discussed the economy, security, international relations, education and other social issues within our book series of “Outlook” named “Eurasia Outlook 2021: Economic, Social and Political Perspectives in Eurasia”, which has become one of our traditional publications over the years. Thus, we publish insightful studies with the information we produce through our analytical thought process which includes perceptions from inside the region and different geographies which spark an interest. Our analyses appeal to a wide range of interested groups that include students, experts and decision-makers. In this respect, in addition to the opportunity to reach a large audience, we also aim to contribute to the scientific literature and assist in the formulation of policy recommendations.
When we look at the important issues in the Eurasian region, the issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic, which still continues worldwide, as in 2020, are at the top of the list. We are witnessing that the COVID-19 pandemic, which has almost become a part of our lives, shows its new effects in the fields of economy, environment, international relations, social interactions and many other areas. Therefore, this year, we have tried to give a balanced weight to other issues so that the topics that were active and important in the pre-pandemic period are not overshadowed. In this context, our new articles have been published on many subjects such as intraregional trade relations, the development of the agricultural sector in Central Asia, innovations in the field of education, enhancing diplomatic relations of Central Asian countries with Asian and European countries. The main purpose of this book, which is the seventh of our Outlook series, is to express our distinctive analytical point of view on current issues and issues of importance in the Eurasian region, within the framework of our work. By making good use of the advantage of being in the region, we are trying to be useful in the development of field studies by publishing our research in accordance with our mission and vision.
The book “Eurasia Outlook 2021: Economic, Social and Political Perspectives in Eurasia” consists of four chapters. The first part focuses on the cooperation of Eurasian countries in the general framework and includes analyses on issues such as relations with international organizations, trade, security, technology, environment and political developments. In the second part, there are articles on the economic relations of the states in the region, current developments and the trade of strategic products that stand out due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The third section consists of articles on developments in the energy sector, energy infrastructures and the market, which are closely related to the countries of the region. In the last section, under the title of socio-cultural issues, there are studies on social developments in Eurasia in general and Central Asian countries in particular, and innovations in the field of education.
We would like to express our gratitude to Prof. Dr. Muhittin Simsek, Chairman of the Board of Trustees Akhmet Yasawi University, for the trust and unlimited support provided to all our endeavors. We would also like to thank all the Institute team who contributed to the preparation of our e-bulletin. Finally, we hope that this book will be useful to students, experts, decision-makers at various levels, and readers who are interested in field studies.