The conference aims to analyse Eurasia’s role and development prospects in an era of constant, multidirectional global change. This theme is particularly relevant as new centres of power emerge on the world stage. These actors are increasingly seeking to interact through healthy competition and fair cooperation, free from the dictates of a single global power – a trend that is vividly exemplified by the nations of Eurasia.
Programme the 16th Asian Conference
of the Valdai Discussion Club and the Ankara Institute
“Eurasia in a Fragmented World”
Istanbul, November 10 – 11, 2025
November 10, Monday
18:00 – 19:30 Welcome session. Middle Powers, the Quest for Strategic Autonomy, and the Future of Global (Dis)Order
A growing number of non-Western nations are increasingly asserting their influence on the global stage through proactive diplomacy and mediation in international conflicts. By offering alternative platforms for dialogue and dispute resolution, these middle powers are challenging traditional governance structures and advancing a new, polycentric vision of global order. This session explores their strategies, the opportunities and risks presented by their rise, and the implications for the future of multilateralism and global stability.
November 11, Tuesday
09:15 – 09:30 Opening of the conference (LIVE: Russian, Turkish, English)
09:30 – 11:00 Session 1. Global (Dis)Order and Eurasia (LIVE: Russian, Turkish, English)
We are living through an era of profound geopolitical transformation. The post-Cold War international order – or what passed for it – is fragmenting, giving way to a more contested, volatile, and multipolar world. In this new landscape, no region is more central – or more consequential – than Eurasia. This vast continent is serves as a laboratory for new forms of cooperation, governance, and power. The opening session will set the stage for discussions by exploring the forces reshaping Eurasia’s economic, political, and strategic environment. It will examine how the convergence of great-power competition, shifting alliances, and emerging connectivity corridors is redefining the region’s role in the world – and what this means for the future of global stability, development, and order.
11:30 – 13:00 Session 2. Turkey, Russia and the New Geopolitics of Eurasia (LIVE: Russian, Turkish, English)
The international order is undergoing a profound transformation. Three defining dynamics are shaping this new era: the disintegration of the post-WWII global system, the accelerating momentum of regionalization, and the rising strategic centrality of Eurasia. As political, economic, and technological influence shifts eastward, Eurasia is emerging as the epicentre of 21st-century power and innovation. Against this backdrop, the session explores the evolving roles of Turkey and Russia in reshaping the geopolitical landscape of this critical region.
14:00 – 15:30 Session 3. Transport and Infrastructure Connectivity in Eurasia
As the backbone of regional integration, transport and infrastructure connectivity requires particular attention. Key corridors – such as the strategic North-South and East-West routes – exemplify the intricate balance between competition and collaboration. These projects are not only reshaping the economic landscape of the continent but also establishing the foundations for an emerging geopolitical architecture.
16:00 – 17:30 Session 4. Regional Interlinkages and Shifting Regional Orders: Middle East, South Caucasus and Central Asia
Amid a redefining geopolitical landscape, the issues of regional governance and interconnectivity have taken on critical importance. This session will examine the new political and economic architecture emerging across Eurasia, including such critical regions as the Middle East, South Caucasus and Central Asia. It will also explore what lessons these transformations – and the responses of regional actors – hold for the future of both regional and global governance.
17:45 – 18:45 Session 5. BRICS and Global (Dis)Order: What Is on Offer?
As traditional multilateral institutions face mounting challenges, groupings like BRICS are increasingly viewed as potential architects of an emerging world order. This bloc – comprising some of the most influential non-Western economies – has expanded its membership and ambition, positioning itself not only as a voice for the Global South but as a viable alternative to existing governance frameworks. This session examines what BRICS truly offers: Does it present a cohesive model for a new multilateralism? How does it navigate internal divergences and external pressures? And what role can it play in stabilizing – or reshaping – the global system?
