Asian Studies Days 2025 – Asia and Ukraine

3-4 November 2025

University of Turku

The ongoing war in Ukraine has unsettled energy supplies, disrupted trade and food security, and intensified questions of security and diplomacy. Its repercussions are being felt across Asia — from Central Asia’s vulnerabilities to East Asia’s strategic calculations, from South Asia’s economic challenges to Southeast Asia’s shifting alignments.

The Asian Studies Days 2025 examines these complex ripple effects. It highlights how global crises intersect with local realities, shaping the lives, policies, and futures of Asian societies.

Special attention will be given to Central Asia, marking the expansion of the Asia Network’s focus on this region. Responding to the growing demand for knowledge on Central Asia, the Network will launch new courses on the region next year.

The programme features a keynote on the multiple challenges faced by Central Asian countries today, followed by a panel discussion with leading experts on Asia, who will explore the diverse responses of Asian countries to the war. In addition, the programme includes a hands-on workshop on ‘AI for Asian Studies’, introductions to new Asia-related projects and networks, as well as a seminar for doctoral researchers.

Join us for a timely exploration of how the war in Ukraine is redefining Asia’s political, economic, and social landscape.

Preliminary Programme (subject to changes)
Registration will open in September

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3

9.30-12:00

AI for Asian studies hands-on workshop

13-16.30

Keynote by Dr Asel Doolotkeldieva, Research Fellow, University of Potsdam

Panel discussion on responses of Asian countries to the war in Ukraine

Short introductions Asia- related projects and networks

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4

9-16:00 Doctoral seminar
More information about the doctoral seminar and registration behind  this link