On 21 March 2023, ASEF hosted a book launch and discussion with Dr Norbert CSIZMADIA on this new book ‘Geofuture – The Big Picture’. Dr Csizmadia is the President of the Pallas Athene Domus Meriti Foundation, and President of the John von Neumann University Foundation. This event was organised in partnership with the Embassy of Hungary in Singapore.
The event was opened with welcome remarks from Ambassador Toru MORIKAWA, ASEF’s Executive Director. He explained that it is time for us to reflect on the changing nature of Asia-Europe connectivity, and think of future scenarios for ASEF to facilitate people-to-people exchange between the two regions. He reminded us on the words of Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Singapore said last week, when he visited ASEF; “Engagement between Asia and Europe has become more essential than ever before amid an increasingly turbulent and uncertain geopolitical a
nd economic landscape. This is the only way that we can secure peace and achieve prosperity in our respective parts of the world.” Ambassador Morikawa invited participants of the event to join an intellectual journey, and explore together what this future might look like.
Ambassador Judit PACH, Ambassador of Hungary to Singapore & ASEF’s Hungarian Governor shared that Hungary has been at the crossroads of various cultures and civilizations throughout its history. Hungary’s experience shows that a blocs-based world order undermines the sovereignty of small states and results in the suffering of our nations. Therefore instead of disconnecting and decoupling, Hungary’s interest is to increase connectivity and international cooperation. This is in line with the key focus of Dr Csizmadia’s new book titled “Geofuture”, as it offers a new perspective on the subject of Eurasian relations, focusing on sustainability and connectivity. Rather than simply predicting a future of conflict and competition, he offers a vision of a more sustainable and interconnected Eurasia, one in which nations work together to address shared challenges and create a more prosperous and equitable future for all. (Read Ambassador Judit Pach’s full speech here).
Dr Csizmadia gave a keynote addressing the topic of ‘Geofuture – Eurasian Complexity Connectivity and Sustainability’, the key topics of the future of Asia-Europe connectivity and the potential of Eurasian collaboration. He explained the big picture of how Europe is connected with Asia, while examining questions such as the meaning of the new geopolitical world order, the importance of maps and geography in understanding world politics and the economy, and the significance of the new Eurasian age. He explained how the world’s economic spatial structure patterns can be used to outline the future, which draws on our past.
Following the keynote, the discussion with ASEF alumni & partner representatives reflected on connectivity between Asia and Europe. This discussion was led by Dr Frederick KLIEM, Research Fellow from S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU). Dr Kliem also shared his insights and perspective on the future of connectivity between Asia & Europe.
Geofuture will be available soon on the website of the author. If you are keen to read more from the author, Dr Norbert Csizmadia, on the geopolitics of Eurasia, visit the Website of the Author or Amazon.com to access the books below:
- Geofusion – The Power of Geography and Mapping of the 21st Century (Pabooks Publishing, LID Publishing – London, and World Scientific Publishing – Singapore), 2019
- Geofusion 2.0 – Towards a long-term Sustainable Eurasian Growth (Pabooks Publishing) 2021, and
- Geovision: Sustainability and Eurasia (Pabooks Publishing) 2023
Dr Csizmadia is also the Chief Editor of the magazine titled “Hungarian Geopolitics (HUG)” available in English and Mandarin language. These are accessible free of charge on the issuu.com portal.