The geopolitical concept of “Eurasianism” as a factor of influence on security in Eastern Europe

Abstract

The author of the article analyzes the key concept of modern Russian geopolitics – “Eurasianism”. The geopolitical concept of “Eurasianism» that emerged at the beginning of the twentieth century built foundations for modern Russian geostrategy and foreign policy, defined the geopolitical identity of Russia and its vectors of development in the international relations. Russia-Eurasia is a unique civilizational and cultural type, which differs both from Europe and from Asia, has geographical unity and indivisibility, as well as a unifying mission for the entire continent. Eurasian fate of Russia defines its geopolitics, geostrategy and foreign policy, as well as the demands of autonomy in its geopolitical development and the refusal of any “Europeanization”. Ukraine in the Eurasian concept, as well as in more modern version – Neoeurasianism, is not a geopolitical actor. Moreover, the Neoeurasianism by Dugin does not prepare for Ukraine the role of independent state, and the return of Ukraine under the geopolitical power of Russia is a priority for Eurasian geopolitics. The research of the basic postulates of “Eurasianism” allows us to consider the concept from the standpoint of geopolitical identity of Ukraine and point out possible threats to the region of Eastern Europe. In addition, the author relates the classical concept of “Eurasianism” to its modern version – “Neoeurasianism” and its practical application in the real Russian foreign policy.