This project will explore gaps between de jure and de facto rules, decentralization, entrepreneurship, as well as public sector and economic reform in Eurasia. These are critical cases as they have been resistant to reform. The initial empirical focus is on China, Uzbekistan, Ukraine, Romania, and Afghanistan. Research pays attention to the emerging relationship between Eurasia and China, not only in terms of understand the effect that Chinese Belt and Road Initiative has on recipient countries, but also on the popularity of the “China Model” of governance throughout the region. The Center will support research and workshops that address all aspects of governance and economic change in the region, including large-scale efforts to establish new institutions, public sector reform, the ongoing significance of informal governance institutions in these contexts, and political challenges confronting efforts to establish more robust democratic and inclusive governance in these contexts, including at the local level.