It is with great pleasure and pride that we present to you the latest issue of Eurázsia Szemle, the result of a fruitful collaboration between the Eurasia Center at John von Neumann University and the esteemed Faculty of Social Sciences at Kasetsart University in Thailand. This publication is a testament to our shared commitment to promoting a deeper understanding of the diverse nature of the Eurasian era and to advancing academic dialogue across borders.
The Eurasia Center attaches great importance to the development of Thai–Hungarian academic cooperation, and in addition to this joint issue being proof of the success of our efforts, I firmly believe that it is only the first step towards closer cooperation, and that the future will bring further mutual research and publications.
In today’s rapidly changing world, the importance of rigorous academic inquiry has never been more apparent. The articles in the present publication address a wide range of topics reflecting the rich web of social, political and economic phenomena in the Eurasian context. Critical scrutiny is devoted to such complex issues as bilateral cooperation, cultural exchange, environmental sustainability and regional conflicts. In this way, readers are encouraged to recognize the nuances inherent in these issues and to consider the innovative solutions that emerge from collaborative interdisciplinary research.
What distinguishes this issue of our journal is not only the rich diversity of perspectives but also the dedication of our authors, who come from a variety of disciplines and backgrounds. Their work is an example of the power of cross-cultural collaboration, and it demonstrates how shared knowledge can transcend geographical and ideological boundaries. The findings presented here are particularly important given the interconnected nature of the global challenges of our time, and we hope that they will stimulate further discussion and investigation among academics, policy makers and practitioners alike.
Issue 1 of Eurázsia Szemle in 2025 is entitled Beyond the Borders Between China and Southeast Asia. The China Column opens with Ladawan Khaikham and Olan Sumananusorn taking a closer look at the conflicting interests in the South China Sea. Thereafter, Sornkitja Boonprong, Ladawan Khaikham, Wichien Prechathamwong and Anisara Pensuk Tipkaew examine the hydrological impact of the Jinghong Dam, and Georgina Oláh explores the potential geopolitical impact of the digital yuan.
In the Southeast Asia Column, Péter Klemensits discusses the complex relationship between China and the Philippines, while Apicha Chutipongpisit summarizes the lessons of trade between Siam and China in the nineteenth century. In the following study, Kamilla Balla examines fifty years of diplomatic relations between Thailand and China, and finally Blanka Székely, Szilvia Erdei-Gally and György Iván Neszmélyi proffer an insight into trade relations between Hungary and Thailand. The two book recommendations – which underpin the aforementioned articles – aim to provide readers with a more detailed perspective on Eurasian integration and the rise of China.
We wish to express our sincere gratitude to all of the authors who have contributed their expertise to this issue. Their hard work and dedication are evident in the quality of the research presented. We would also like to thank the editorial team, whose tireless efforts in reviewing and refining the articles have contributed significantly to the success of this publication. Without their commitment to scientific excellence, this issue would not have been possible.
We are confident that the present collaboration will pave the way for further partnerships as we continue this journey of intellectual discovery. Through such connections, we can expand our understanding of the complexities and interdependencies of our world and foster a community of researchers and scholars who will rise to the challenges of the future.
We finally wish to thank our readers for their unwavering support and for taking the time to participate in this important discourse. May these pages inspire new ideas, provoke profound discussion and ultimately contribute to a deeper understanding of the diverse yet interconnected issues that shape our Eurasian landscape.
Levente Horváth, PhD
Director of the Eurasia Center,
John von Neumann University, Hungary
Ngamlamai Piolueang, PhD
Assistant Professor,
Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences,
Kasetsart University, Thailand
Download the complete edition of Eurázsia Szemle, Volume V, Issue 1 here: