Carnegie Moscow Center
There have been many events in Asia in 2013. But some of them stand to impact the most the global policy and security in 2014.
In 2013, Europe was a peaceful place, but elsewhere in Eurasia, things were not as peaceful. This eventful year promises an interesting 2014.
Political crisis, caused by the break between Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan and religious leader Gülen, threatens the political future of Erdogan and the AKP party which has governed Turkey exclusively since 2002. It also undermines the image and central role of Turkey in the region.
By pretty much any historical standards, the wider Europe at the dawn of 2014 is incredibly peaceful. However, peace in Europe should be a signal not for Panglossian optimism but for redoubled Europeans to be vigilant against the risk of new conflicts, large and small.
U.S.-Russian relations remain charged, even poisonous, despite some productive cooperation. Transforming the relationship will require a concerted effort in 2014.
The Arab transformations have only just begun. The coming year will offer signs as to whether countries of the Arab world are heading toward or away from democracy and pluralism.
The Armenians can use Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu’s visit to vent some of their frustrations with Turkey—and then get back to talking again.
It is time for Moscow to rethink its approach to Central Asia.
While NATO’s withdrawal from Afghanistan could have dangerous implications for the region, some measure of instability might benefit Russia, which could use it as evidence of the importance of Russia’s military and political presence in the Central Asia.
Protests in Istanbul and Kiev have similar root causes and similar effects. The demonstrations have shown that citizens can and do take charge in their demand for freedom.