Eurasia in 2013: Political and Economic Analysis

The Chinese have a saying: “May you live in interesting times” which is more akin to a curse than a positive wish or a blessing. Whether one likes it or not we are indeed living in interesting times. No region more than Eurasia is experiencing a more interesting time with energy companies clamouring to invest and discover the underground wealth of the Caucasus and Central Asia and to transport the gaseous, liquid or physical assets, both east and west.
 
The post-socialist countries of Eurasia have all forsaken a centrally planned economy and agreed to holding multi-party elections. Some have ventured further and espoused the rule of law, the inviolability of human rights, a free press, protection of minorities, state accountability, transparency, providing equality of opportunity for all and many other progressive democratic rights. Others have remained wary of democracy, preferring to cling onto established patrimonial, patron-client and clan-based political and economic relations.