The topic of this study is the Russian Far Eastern Region which borders China and its prospects for the future. As it stands, the Russian Federation is losing an alarming amount of its population on an annual basis. This problem is particularly acute in the Far Eastern Region which also suffers from poor infrastructure, a depressed economy and political fragmentation, meaning that it is becoming increasingly distant from Moscow. At the same time, its neighbour to the south, China, is surging economically and booming demographically. Historically, the region in question was once in Chinese hands and at the moment, Chinese capital and labour are beginning to move northwards. The border has always been a problematic sticking point in bilateral relations between the two powers, which has prompted some observers to become concerned about the future security of the region. This study aims to come to an understanding as to why the Sino-Russian frontier is emerging as a unique cross border region in its own right. In placing current issues within an historical framework and analysing the asymmetrical nature of the region's economy, demographics, politics and society, this thesis explores the dimensions which make this a problematic area.
Eoin Heaney is a recent graduate of the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna and University College Dublin.
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- Parag Khanna: A Future Without Borders?
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September 5, 2010
Kelvin Duncan
If the rate of intermarriage continues, then expect greatly weakened ties with western Russia, much strengthened closer ties with China and the Pacific, and the emergence of hybrid society. The resources of that region have scarcely been explored, let alone tapped. And these resources complement the Chinese and American economies far more than the economy of western Russia which is in economic and demographic decline.
My view is that the border will settle down, but there will be growing tensions between the European bear and the Asiatic bear as Moscow's influence and power wanes.