About us

The Cluster of Excellence "EurAsian Transformation" involves more than 30 researchers from four academic institutions (Austrian Academy of Sciences, University of Vienna, Central European University, University of Innsbruck). Major contemporary issues and current research - diversity, mobility, identity - are explored using original sources in dozens of languages, analysed comparatively, and connections of all kids - cultural and religious, economic and political - are uncovered. We strive for a fruitful interdisciplinary dialogue and seek cooperation with the regions involved in order to create new academic infrastructures in Austria an dinternationally and to promote plurilateral research perspectives. EurAsia explores the transformation processes of Eurasia - understood as the entire landmass of both continents, Europe and Asia - from antiquity to the present.

The research groups are working on three main themes: "Geographies of Power" compares Eurasian continental empires between integration and fragmentation, considers the impact of ecology and economics on political configurations, and examines the effects of transregional power alliances on regional ways of life. "Communication and Mobility" focuses on communication networks and the circulation of knowledge, explores multilingualism and literate cultures, and addresses issues of migration and demography. "Identities and Religions" examines religious and politcal constructions of identity and culture communications, and problematises perceptions of the other. All research is underpinned by critical examination of historical master narratives and their ideological use, for example in Russian Eurasianism.

A central concern of the Cluster is the dissemination of research results and the transfer of research methods. We will provide structured and comprehensive training for advanced students and young researchers at home and abroad, especially in the respective regions, to promote skills in dealing with the written cultural heritage, including the source languages. Through a range of innovative and traditional media, we will engage the widest possible audience of all ages in the excitement of research.