The Eurasian Century
by Hal Brands
Key Concepts
Eurasian Crucible
Eurasia is the central arena where global power struggles will intensify and be decided.
Great Power Return
State-on-state competition, long considered obsolete, has re-emerged as the primary driver of international relations.
Interconnected Threats
Geopolitical, economic, and technological rivalries are deeply intertwined, creating complex challenges.
Fragile Stability
The current global order is inherently unstable, prone to rapid shifts and escalating conflicts.
Strategic Depth
Nations must cultivate diverse alliances and capabilities to project influence and secure interests across vast distances.
Contested Commons
Control over global commons like sea lanes, space, and cyberspace is critical for achieving Eurasian dominance.
Action Items
Prioritize robust alliances and partnerships in key Eurasian regions.
Invest heavily in advanced military and technological capabilities to deter aggression.
Develop strong economic resilience against geopolitical shocks and coercive tactics.
Anticipate and prepare for multi-domain, hybrid forms of conflict.
Strengthen intelligence gathering on rival nations' long-term strategic intentions.
Educate policymakers on the enduring patterns of great power competition and historical precedents.
Core Thesis
The 21st century will be defined by a dangerous, multi-polar struggle for dominance across the Eurasian supercontinent.
Mindset Shift
Shift from an assumption of unipolar stability to a recognition of persistent, multi-polar great power competition as the new global normal.