Session “Turn to the East 2.0: the Asian Vector of Russia's Siberization”

On October 29, 2024, the session titled “Turn to the East 2.0: the Asian Vector of Russia's Siberization” was held within the framework of the VI International Conference “The World Majority and the Structuring of International Multipolarity”. This session was conducted under the aegis of the Faculty of World Economy and International Affairs’ research project, “Siberian Russia: Turn to the East 2.0”.

The session brought together representatives from leading scientific and educational organizations in Siberia to continue discussions on key internal and external aspects of Russia's new stage of eastern development — the shift of the country's political, economic, and ideological focus from the west to the east. The session was moderated by Ilya Kozylov, lecturer and PhD student at the School of Regional Studies of the Faculty of World Economy and International Affairs, and head of the “Siberian Russia: Turn to the East 2.0” grant project.

Anton Pyzhev, Acting Deputy Director for Research, Head of the Krasnoyarsk Department of Forecasting the Economic Development of the Region at the Institute of Economics and Industrial Engineering of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, and Head of the Laboratory for Economics of Climate Change and Environmental Development at Siberian Federal University, presented his report titled “It's time to focus the Russian East: how to overcome the shortage of labor to exploit the abundance of natural resources”. He emphasized the need for tax incentives and support for small and medium-sized enterprises to address the region’s labor shortage. He underscored the importance of creating educational and research centers and anchor employers in Siberian cities to establish a sustainable innovation environment and retain young professionals.

Arseniy Fartyshev, Head of the Laboratory of Geo-Resource Studies and Political Geography at the Sochava Institute of Geography, SB RAS, presented his report “The construction of the Siberian capital”. He analyzed the potential economic and social impacts of relocating the capital to Siberia. Drawing on international examples, he concluded that while such a move might encourage short-term GDP growth and investments, it requires long-term support through infrastructure projects and a careful approach to resource management to prevent isolation of the new capital region from the rest of the country.

Sergey Prosekov, Associate Professor at the Department of Philosophy at Bauman Moscow State Technical University, highlighted the role of cultural values in sustainable development in his report “The defining role of culture in the process of economic transformation”. He cited China, where Confucian traditions and a unique administrative system have underpinned economic growth. According to Prosekov, creating a cultural program for Siberia that can shape a compelling regional identity would promote long-term economic growth and strengthen internal stability.

Vera Lyubitskaya, Head of the Department of Economics and Production Management at Polzunov Altai State Technical University, focused on demographic issues in her report “Siberian Reboot: a look from the Altai Krai”. She drew attention to the outmigration challenges facing Altai and Siberia as a whole. Lyubitskaya suggested that infrastructure, cultural, and local business development, as well as expanded government support for educational and industrial projects, would make the region more attractive to young specialists.

Ilya Oleynikov, Associate Professor at the Department of Political Science, History, and Regional Studies at Irkutsk State University and the Department of International Relations and Customs Affairs at Baikal State University presented his report “Russian regions of Eastern Siberia in international cooperation in the East Asian direction: challenges and development trends”. He emphasized that Siberia plays a crucial role as a connecting link between Russia and East Asian countries. He noted that strengthening international cooperation could bolster the region's economy and enhance its international status, particularly through energy and infrastructure projects.

Anastasia Kolomina, PhD student in the School of Regional Studies at the Faculty of World Economy and International Affairs, delivered her report “The role of Siberia in shaping the climate vector of Russia's foreign policy in Central Asia: the case of Kazakhstan”. She proposed developing joint climate and energy projects with Kazakhstan, noting that Siberia could become a critical platform for Russia's climate cooperation with Central Asia, thereby enhancing its influence in the region.

Following the presentations, a panel discussion was held, featuring the speakers along with Natalia Vukovich (Associate Professor at the Department of World Economy, Faculty of World Economy and International Affairs, HSE University) and Irina Svistula (Research Fellow at the Center for Comprehensive European and International Studies, HSE University). They exchanged views on the prospects of Siberian development and the potential for further project expansion. The participants discussed strategic tasks such as improving conditions to attract youth, enhancing cultural and economic ties with Asia, and minimizing environmental risks. The discussion concluded with a consensus that the Siberian development project is a strategic process that has the potential to provide a significant boost to Russia's socio-economic growth.