Frankema, Twan Theunes Beene (2024) In the Shadow of the Russian Bear and the Chinese Dragon: Central Asian Countries’ Changing Relations with Russia and China from 1991 to 2024. Bachelor thesis, Global Responsibility & Leadership (GRL).
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Abstract
This thesis examines the evolving relationships between Central Asian countries (Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan) and Russia and China from 1991 to 2024. The thesis addresses a gap in the literature by offering an interdisciplinary approach to developments in Central Asia, a region often overshadowed by its proximity to larger powers but increasingly significant because of its natural resources and strategic location between China and Europe and near unstable regions. The research employs qualitative discourse analysis and process tracing to understand the causal mechanisms behind geopolitical trends in the region. It looks at the changing relations from five perspectives: political, economic, security, language and culture, and public opinions. This research identifies a decline in Russian influence and a rise in Chinese influence, particularly through economic initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative. Russia tries to counter this by using cultural programs, its historical ties, and using its military as a deterrent to maintain its influence. Politically, Central Asia is gaining more autonomy from both Russia and China.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Bachelor) |
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| Name supervisor: | Belloir, A.C. |
| Date Deposited: | 06 Jun 2024 09:31 |
| Last Modified: | 06 Jun 2024 09:31 |
| URI: | https://campus-fryslan.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/435 |
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