The year 2021 marks the beginning of the cooperation between the Chair of International Political Economy of East Asia, Ruhr-Universität Bochum (RUB), and Westminster International University in Tashkent (WIUT). During her three-month research stay at WIUT, Ms. Johanna Rust initiated the first contact and developed common goals and ideas with her colleagues at WIUT. In June 2021, representatives of both institutions signed a protocol that paved the way for further initiatives and exchanges. In the course of current developments, the Central Asian region is gaining importance, not only for Europe and the global structure but also from the perspective of research on Asia. The aim is to establish academic initiatives at various levels: students from both sides should be given the opportunity for exchange, as well as researchers in an interdisciplinary framework. It is more important than ever to use and enrich academic capacities for mutual understanding and cultural exchange. Thus, excellent research approaches and contributions with a forward-looking perspective can emerge.

Kontakt: johanna.rust@rub.de