University of Tartu researchers to co-organise a workshop on Eurasian geopolitics with the University of Tokyo ROLES centre

Elo Süld from the University of Tartu Asia Centre, along with Alevtina Solovyeva and Vladimir Sazonov from the University of Tartu Centre for Oriental Studies, will give presentations on 20 April 2025 at an international workshop co-organised with the University of Tokyo’s ROLES center.

The title of the workshop is Frontlines of Cognition and Memory in Eurasia: Russia, China and Greater Central Asia in History and Present.

The workshop brings together researchers and experts whose areas of study include geopolitical developments in Eurasia. The focus will be on Russia, China, and Central Asia. It explores how the roles of these actors have evolved from the recent past to the present. The participation of the University of Tartu Asia Centre in this high-level discussion highlights the contribution to international academic work and strengthens cooperation with the University of Tokyo. The contribution from Estonian reaercehrs is wider, as Märt Läänemets from the Estonian Academy of Security Sciences will also present his paper.

Presentations by University of Tartu researchers:

• Elo Süld: “Chinese Military Architecture in the Middle East "
• Alevtina Solovyeva: “The Elites of Contemporary Central Asia: Grounds, Agendas, Dynamics”
• Vladimir Sazonov: “Russian Information War Against Estonia During the Russian Full-Scale Military Invasion of Ukraine (2022-2024): Information Operations, Russian Espionage, etc.”

PARTICIPATION

The hybrid-format workshop is open to all interested participants. Full programme and participation information can be found on the University of Tokyo ROLES website. Please note that all times are listed in Tokyo local time.

ABOUT THE ROLES CENTRE

The ROLES (Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology Open Laboratory for Emergence Strategies) at the University of Tokyo was founded in 2020. It is a university-based think tank that aims to bring together experts from academia, government, the media, and the corporate sector to address topics related to religion, geopolitics, ideology, security, and technology.

The University of Tartu Asia Centre continues to work on international research projects, advancing knowledge about Asia and the Eurasian region, and strengthening Estonia’s academic visibility on the global stage.