With rich documentation and engaging prose, Hutson upends our assumptions about the future of Chinese soft power, Sino-Russian relations, and Eurasian integration. Arguing that the Russian invasion of Ukraine was both a breakpoint and a catalyst for independent states of Eurasia to re-envision their role in the New Silk Road, the book makes a compelling case for greater economic and political integration of Central Asia and the Caucasus. Seizing the day is both a 'frightening and exhilarating' prospect. But as Hutson demonstrates, building alternative supply chains to Ukraine, driven by corridor users, will give the region a new identity and dynamic development trajectory.

Dr. Marsha McGraw Olive, Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Relations

“Nathan Hutson’s excellent book gives us an in-depth and comprehensive study of Eurasian connectivity, elegantly and convincingly tying together geographic, political, economic and business perspectives. It sheds light on the circumstances of the past responsible for shaping the current railway systems, and explains the complex dynamics of ongoing efforts to build and upgrade Eurasian ‘landbridges.’ The book is particularly remarkable in the way it both gives us a fresh look at the big picture of Eurasian connectivity and skillfully ‘zooms in’ on pertinent details largely unfamiliar to non-specialists.”

Nargis Kassenova, Harvard University