EurAsian Transformations

The Cluster of Excellence EurAsia involves over 30 researchers at four academic institutions (Austrian Academy of Sciences, University of Vienna, Central European University, University of Innsbruck). Our research relies on original sources in dozens of languages in order to study big issues of todays Humanities from a comparative and connective perspective: diversity, mobility, identity. We seek to institutionalise a fruitful dialogue between disciplines and with the regions involved, promoting plurilateral research perspectives. EurAsia explores the transformations of Eurasiaunderstood as the entire landmass of both continentsfrom Antiquity to the modern period, and follows selected developments across the ages, with a number of interlocking themes that will be investigated by groups of researchers: Geographies of power compares Eurasian continental empires between integration and fragmentation, addresses the impact of ecology and economy on political configurations, and investigates the effects of overarching polities on regional ways of life. Communication and mobility focusses on communication networks and the circulation of knowledge, explores multilinguality and cultures of writing, and deals with issues of migration and demography. Identities and religions` considers religious and political constructions of identity and cultural communication and problematizes perceptions of the other. This includes a critique of historical master narratives and their ideological uses, for instance in Russian Eurasianism. The dissemination of research insights and methodologies is of vital concern to the Cluster. We will offer structured and comprehensive instruction for advanced students and early career researchers in Austria and internationally, especially in the relevant regions, to promote the skills required to handle written cultural heritage, including source languages. We also plan to involve the widest possible audience across all ages in the excitement of research through a range of innovative and traditional media.