Geopolitics in Central Europe: Superpower Competition and Regional Dynamics

Intro -- Half Title -- Title Page -- Copyright Page -- Contents -- Illustrations -- PrefaceThe 'Great Game' in Central Europe -- Acknowledgements -- Chapter 1: A geopolitical report on Central Europe -- 1.1. 'Through a glass darkly': The definition of Central Europe -- 1.2. From hope to disillusionment: The period from 1989 until 2008 -- 1.3. Rising from the ashes: The geopolitical consequences of China's rise (2008-20) -- 1.4. Fault lines in Europe: Different interpretations of China's rise -- 1.5. Diversification in the spotlight -- 1.5.1. Trading with the Chinese dragon? -- 1.5.2. China buying up Central Europe? -- 1.5.3. Yuan replacing dollar in Central Europe? -- 1.6. Straddling the divide? The current geopolitical environment of Central Europe -- Chapter 2: From reluctant to assertive player?: US foreign policy in Central Europe policy -- 2.1. The tragic failure: Downgrading Europe -- 2.1.1. The alliance of the giant and the dwarf? An asymmetry of power -- 2.1.2. Mission impossible? Strategic autonomy of the EU -- 2.1.3. Why the pivot to Asia? -- 2.1.4. From honeymoon to divorce? Milestones of American-European relations -- 2.1.5. The grand American strategy and Europe's role in it -- 2.2. The confrontation of giants: Consequences for CE region -- 2.2.1. China going global? -- 2.2.2. Locked in a triangle? China, the CEE region and the United States -- 2.3. US Confrontation with Russia: Consequences for CE region -- 2.3.1. Rosy beginnings and overt hostilities: From the 1990s to the annexation of Crimea -- 2.3.2. Locked in a triangle? Russia, the CEE region and the United States -- Chapter 3: The newcomer in the region: China -- 3.1. From 'open door policies' to 'dual circulation' -- 3.2. China policy in the EU and its nuances -- 3.3. China policy in Central Europe -- 3.3.1. The Belt and Road Initiative and the 16 + 1 cooperation.

The geopolitical landscape of Central Europe has undergone considerable transformation in the last two decades. While the pre-Global Financial Crisis period saw a focus on strengthening ties with Western Europe and the USA, the post-crisis period has seen reorientation towards Asia, in particular China. This book charts these changes in geopolitical dominance in the region, covering the economic influence of China, the increasingly assertive diplomatic involvement of Russia and increased US interest in the region under the Biden administration. The book also seeks to explain why the countries of Central Europe are realigning their geopolitical alliances towards the great powers as confidence in the European project and its economic benefits has waned, and what opportunities this realignment could hold.