Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)

Course Description Status: Approved

Course Description Version: 24/25.P.1.00

Description Period: 2024./25 academic year pavasara semestris

Study Course Accepted: -

Study Course Description

Central Asia - Domestic Dynamics and Neighbourhood Conundrum

Main Study Course Information

Course Code
SZF_067
Branch of Science
Political science
ECTS
7.00
Target Audience
Political Science
LQF
Level 7
Study Type And Form
Full-Time

Study Course Implementer

Course Supervisor
Laura Jesaulkova
Structure Unit Manager
Karina Palkova
Structural Unit
Faculty of Social Sciences
Contacts

Dzirciema street 16, Rīga, szf@rsu.lv

About Study Course

Objective

To provide critical knowledge on the interrelation of Central Asia’s internal characteristics, regional agenda and inter-sectoral cooperation with actors outside the region, in particular the combined approach of Russia, China, the EU and the US, which will help to better understand how these factors combine to contribute to international (dis)order, in particular in Eurasia. 

Preliminary Knowledge

General knowledge of geopolitics and geostrategy; international relations and security architecture; the role of the United States, Russia and China in world politics.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge

1.Using the in-depth knowledge of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan acquired in the study course – both the internal and external political processes of these countries and the involvement of external powers in the region, in particular the role of Russia and the People’s Republic of China – students will describe the impact of specific actors on the internal and external dynamics of these countries. The students will also analyse current domestic political developments in the context of Latvia’s cooperation with Central Asian countries, taking into account Latvia’s activity in this direction in the 2000s.

Skills

1.Working with different types of information sources, students will select appropriate sources, distinguishing between secondary and primary ones, subjective and objective material, critically assessing the reliability of the information, taking into account the influence of the political system of the countries covered in the course on official information. Working individually, students will develop not only their analytical skills, but also their time management and work prioritisation skills. Working under the guidance of international lecturers, students will develop their skills in working in an international team and in an intercultural environment. Through individual and group work, students will identify in oral and written form, compare and evaluate alternative arguments and points of view, formulate, explain and justify their opinion on a domestic or foreign policy issue in Central Asia.

Competences

1.Students will write a report based on interdisciplinary scientific literature, analysing domestic and foreign policy issues in Central Asia. Students will evaluate the interdisciplinary nature of complex problems and combine research results and methods from different fields to analyse complex problems. After completing the study course, students will understand the impact of the interaction of different events on the current situation in the region, where cooperation has given way to rivalry and conflict. Through this study course, students who choose this option will be able to prepare in depth for an Erasmus+ exchange at the Kyrgyz National University in Bishkek, which will require additional competences to be acquired in the course.

Assessment

Individual work

Title
% from total grade
Grade
1.
Individual work
-
-
Students do in-depth research on the topic, read the recommended readings and write an essay. In order to evaluate the quality of the study course as a whole, the student must fill out the study course evaluation questionnaire on the Student Portal.

Examination

Title
% from total grade
Grade
1.
Examination
-
-
Essays must be 3000 words long (+/- 10 percent without penalty), including footnotes but not the bibliography. You must announce the exact number of words, and longer papers will be penalised (from 10% to 50% depending on the size of the violation). Please write your essays with 1.5 spacing, 12 pt font, Chicago referencing style.
2.
Examination
-
-
Attendance – 10% Activity and preparedness in seminars – 25% Group work – 25% Final essay (exam) – 40%

Study Course Theme Plan

FULL-TIME
Part 1

  1. Central Asia’s political landscape

Annotation: Since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, the modernisation of economic and political systems has become a major concern for the leaders of independent countries. Although the transition from communism to capitalism never succeeded, the Central Asian countries were stuck in a post-communist reality. The ‘unexpected independence’ syndrome continued to shape political dynamics in the region. Some of the main characteristics of the Central Asian political landscape: • An extreme personification of the path of development and the power of the personal regime (or ‘family’/clan), ranging from despotism to authoritarianism. • Economic development based on the (sometimes stricter) Soviet system of command, government and control; the introduction of market mechanisms in the mosaic, a return to self-subsistence economy in some places (mainly in the countryside). • Illegal privatisation and personal control of the most profitable sectors by the leader (or family/clan); fragmented integration into global economic processes. • Low levels of political and legal culture (selective justice) and systems without control and balance. In some Central Asian countries, there is no civil society as such; a single-party parliament makes policy. • Dehumanisation and, in some cases, the destruction of social relations and the criminalisation of political, economic and social life. Literature: Laruelle, Marlene. "Discussing Neopatrimonialism and Patronal Presidentialism in the Central Asian Context." Demokratizatsiya 20, no. 4 (2012): 301-324. Cooley, Alexander, and John Heathershaw. Dictators Without Borders: Power and Money in Central Asia. Yale University Press, 2017.  Matveeva, Anna. "Legitimising Central Asian Authoritarianism: Political Manipulation and Symbolic Power." Europe-Asia Studies: Politics of the Spectacular: Symbolism and Power in Central Asia 61, no. 7 (2009): 1095-121. Laruelle, Marlene. "Central Asia’s Globalized Despots." Journal of Democracy 28, no. 3 (2017): 173-76. Anderson, John. Kyrgyzstan: Central Asia's Island of Democracy? Postcommunist States and Nations. London: Routledge, 2007.
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2

  1. Central Asia: Regional Complexity

Annotation: Since independence, the water-energy nexus has become one of the key regional security factors in Central Asia. Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan want to use water for irrigation, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan – for energy. The current cross-border water usage mechanism in Central Asia has significant potential for conflict. Water management is of paramount importance in Central Asia. Despite many discussions and attempts to resolve the water problem, the parties have not reached an agreement. The involvement of other countries and international organisations has also been unsuccessful. In the long term, the problem of water use in the Central Asian region will worsen due to high population growth and cross-border disputes in the water and energy sectors. Central Asian countries are unable to develop a new approach to the joint development of the region’s energy potential and a mechanism for managing water and energy resources that meets everyone’s political, economic and environmental objectives. Instead, each Central Asian country is trying to solve the water problem unilaterally. Literature: Slate, Aura Carmen. "WATER GEOPOLITICS IN CENTRAL ASIA. Case Study – Future Implications of Rogun Hydropower Plant." Europolis, Journal Of Political Science And Theory 8, no. 1 (15) (2014): 51-73. Baizakova, Zhulduz. "Border Issues in Central Asia: Current Conflicts, Controversies and Compromises." Revista UNISCI, no. 45 (2017): Revista UNISCI, Oct 2017, Issue 45. Korostelina, Karina. "Introduction: Conflicts in Central Asia." Communist and Post-Communist Studies 40, no. 2 (2007): 123-27. Siegfried, Tobias, Thomas Bernauer, Renaud Guiennet, Scott Sellars, Andrew Robertson, W. Mankin, Justin Bauer-Gottwein, and Peter Yakovlev. "Will Climate Change Exacerbate Water Stress in Central Asia?" Climatic Change 112, no. 3-4 (2012): 881-99. Bichsel, C. "It's about More Water. Natural Resource Conflicts in Central Asia." 2009. Aminjonov, Farkhod. Limitations of the Central Asian Energy Security Policy. Centre for International Governance Innovation, 2016.
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2

  1. 'Multi-Speed’ Central Asia: A Dilemma of Integration and Cooperation?

Annotation: Since independence, Central Asian countries have tried to form a union. The rationale for such a union was a sense of vulnerability, when the leaders of Central Asian countries realised that it would be easier to survive and build a future together. The Central Asian Cooperation Organisation was a very ambitious project with Inter-State Council, Council of Prime Ministers, Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs, a permanent working body – the Executive Committee of the Inter-State Council, Central Asian Cooperation and Development Bank with a budget of USD 6 million – strategy until 2000. However, the attempt failed in 2005, when the Central Asian Cooperation Organisation ended and the countries joined the Eurasian Economic Union. Why have integration attempts failed? Some of the arguments relate to the legacy of the past, the problems of the transition period, as well as differences in strategies, interests and external factors and actors, such as Russia. Others include similar economic input structures that do not complement each other, higher turnover with external partners than with regional partners, lack of financial resources and the need for external funding and support. The relations between the presidents have also affected the poor regional cooperation. Bilateral and multilateral cooperation in the region has increased, while regional cooperation is still lacking. Since Shavkat Mirziyoyev came to power in 2016, cooperation with neighbours has become a key priority of Tashkent’s foreign policy. Since March 2018, the Heads of State Meeting – the first meeting of representatives of all Central Asian countries not initiated by external participants – has been held annually. Literature: Tolipov, Farkhod. "Geopolitical Stipulation of Central Asian Integration." Strategic Analysis 34, no. 1 (2010): 104-13. Burçin Yereli, Ahmet, Mustafa Kızıltan, and Emre Atsan. "ANALYSIS OF CENTRAL ASIA ECONOMIC INTEGRATION PROJECTS FROM THE VIEWPOINT OF CONVERGENCE HYPOTHESIS." Socioeconomica 4, no. 8 (2015): 253-76. Azizov, Ulugbek. "Regional Integration in Central Asia: From Knowing-that to Knowing-how." Journal of Eurasian Studies 8, no. 2 (2017): 123-35. Krapohl, S., Vasileva-Dienes, A. The region that isn't: China, Russia and the failure of regional integration in Central Asia. Asia Eur J 18, 347–366 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10308-019-00548-0 Pourchot, Georgeta, and Yannis A Stivachtis. "International Society and Regional Integration in Central Asia." Journal of Eurasian Studies 5, no. 1 (2014): 68-76. Wang, Weiran. "The Effects of Regional Integration in Central Asia." Emerging Markets, Finance & Trade 50 (2014): 219.
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2

  1. Listing the Security Challenges in Central Asia

Annotation: The new security challenges in Central Asia stem from traditional factors (socio-political structure with a complex system of inter-clan relations), the peculiarities of the independent development of Central Asian countries (rivalries among elites, border issues, etc.), geographic location and non-regional powers (bordering Russia, China and Afghanistan). Among the many threats and challenges, corruption stands out with drug trafficking, religious extremism and terrorism. The threat of political destabilisation due to political change, radicalisation and the emergence of foreign fighters can also be considered relatively new. The demarcation  and lack of demarcation of Central Asian borders is closely linked to ethnic conflicts, enclaves and diasporas and access to cross-border water and energy resources (e.g. the Fergana Valley). The rapid development of the internet and digital technologies is fuelling cyber-security and information problems, hate speech and vigilance. Literature: Lemon, Edward. "Critical Approaches to Security in Central Asia: An Introduction." Central Asian Survey: Critical Approaches to Security in Central Asia 37, no. 1 (2018): 1-12. Omelicheva, Mariya Y. Counterterrorism Policies in Central Asia. Central Asian Studies. Hoboken: Taylor & Francis, 2010. Lain, Sarah. "STRATEGIES FOR COUNTERING TERRORISM AND EXTREMISM IN CENTRAL ASIA." Asian Affairs 47, no. 3 (2016): 386-405. Olcott, Martha B., and Natalia Udalova. "Drug Trafficking Central Asia - Carnegie Endowment for International Peace." Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. March 2000. Accessed August 2, 2020. https://carnegieendowment.org/files/drugs.pdf. Frigerio, Alessandro, and Nargis Kassenova. "Central Asia: Contemporary Security Challenges and Sources of State Resilience." Security and Human Rights 24, no. 2 (2013): 123-35.
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  1. International and Regional Organisations and Central Asia: The Dilemma of Effectiveness

Annotation: Scepticism persists about the capacity of regional and international organisations to provide security in Central Asia. International and regional organisations are increasingly seen as exercising their functions only within the limits of the powers conferred on them by the governments of their founders and members. Most regional organisations in Central Asia are communication platforms by nature. The documents adopted at the final summits and meetings usually show intent without any implementation mechanisms. Central Asian regional organisations play a socialising role, defined in international relations as the transmission of rules and guidelines to countries and their leaders on how they should behave in the international system. Regional institutions also act as meeting places where leaders of Central Asian countries can communicate freely and can act as informal channels for resolving disputes. Despite regular criticism, the CIS structures have nevertheless allowed to preserve a channel/dialogue between the former Soviet countries, and the effectiveness of these structures is most often seen behind the scenes, where presidents can informally discuss mutual tensions. The SCO’s efforts to establish contacts between leaders of Central Asian countries and their Chinese counterparts is perhaps one of its greatest achievements. This has helped to at least partially reduce the historical mistrust between the regions and create a more constructive working environment. The proliferation of SCO commissions, forums and working groups has led to intense diplomatic work in all sectors. Meetings at the OSCE or the UN provide an opportunity to meet colleagues and gather new ideas that are different from one’s own. Literature: Laruelle, Marlene and Sebastien Peyrouse. “Regional Organisations in Central Asia: Patterns of Interaction, Dilemmas of Efficiency.” University of Central Asia. Working Paper No 10, 2012. https://www.ucentralasia.org/Content/Downloads/UCA-IPPA-WP-10-RegionalOrganizations.pdf Gleason, Gregory. "Inter-State Cooperation in Central Asia from the CIS to the Shanghai Forum." Europe-Asia Studies 53, no. 7 (2001): 1077-095. Dunay, Pál. "The OSCEs of Central Asia." Central Asian Survey: The Helsinki Final Act Four Decades On: Critical Reflections on the OSCE in Eurasia 36, no. 3 (2017): 300-12. "The OSCE in Central Asia: A New Strategy." Crisis Group. October 10, 2016. Accessed August 15, 2020. https://www.crisisgroup.org/europe-central-asia/central-asia/osce-central-asia-new-strategy. George, Bruce. "NATO, OSCE, and Regional Security Issues in Central Asia and the Caucasus." Perceptions 2 (1998): 135-42.
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  1. Central Asia and the EU: In Search of a Better Approach?

Annotation: The EU-Central Asia Strategy was adopted in 2007 after the expansion to the East, when the post-Soviet space was at Europe’s borders. During this period, the protracted counter-terrorism operation of the international coalition in Afghanistan could explain the increased focus on the region. French and German military missions were located in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan respectively, and the region was considered a transit zone for troop supplies to Afghanistan. In addition, the gas wars in Russia and Ukraine prompted the EU to consider diversifying its energy imports, and Central Asia was one of them. The 2007 Strategy is not based on macro-regional concepts (Central Asia, Central and South Asia, Central Asia and the Caucasus, post-Soviet space) but covers only five countries in the region and establishes multidimensional cooperation. However, the question of whether a regional approach is better than bilateral relations with countries in the region remains to be answered, and the effectiveness of the strategy remains low. In 2019, the EU adopted a new strategy for Central Asia, which has received mixed reviews. Brussels is certainly less influential than external actors such as Russia, China and the United States. Second-tier players such as Turkey, Japan, South Korea and several Arab countries are also posing serious competition to the EU. However, this region cannot be attributed to the area of vital interest of the EU either. The extent of EU’s relations with Central Asia will depend on the willingness of Central Asian countries to reform, strengthen democracy, human rights, the rule of law and judicial independence, and modernise and diversify their economies. Does the 2019 Strategy indicate that Brussels wants to strengthen its role in Central Asia? In what areas of cooperation does the EU have advantages over other participants? Literature: Kassenova, Nargis. "The New EU Strategy towards Central Asia: A View from the Region." CEPS Policy Briefs, no. 1-12 (2008): 1-8. Gross, Eva. Recalibrating EU-Central Asia Relations. Brief (European Union Institute for Security Studies), 16, June 2015. Paris]: [EUISS], 2015. Arynov, Zhanibek. "Changing Perceptions of the European Union in Central Asia", L'Europe en Formation, 2018/1, No385: 61-73. https://www.cairn.info/journal-l-europe-en-formation-2018-1-page-61.htm. Gussarova, Anna and Māris Andžāns, eds., Policy Paper No. 1. Political and security relations. Mapping EU-Central Asian relations, https://www.seneca-eu.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/SEnECA_Policy-Paper-No.-1.pdf. Gussarova, Anna and Māris Andžāns, eds., Policy Paper No. 4. Economic relations and trade. Mapping EU-Central Asia relations (2018), http://www.seneca-eu.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/SEnECA_Policy-Paper-No.-4.pdf. Gussarova, Anna and Māris Andžāns, “Policy Paper No. 7: Cultural and other relations – Mapping EU-Central Asia relations. Strengthening and Energizing EU-Central Asia Relations, September 2018, https://www.seneca-eu.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/SEnECA_Policy-Paper-No.-7.pdf
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  1. US Central Asia Strategy: Why Is It Important?

Annotation: US strategic interests in Central Asia include a more stable and prosperous region that is free to seek political, economic and security gains on its own terms with a variety of partners. Other elements aim to link the region to world markets and open it up to international investment. Strong democratic institutions, the rule of law and respect for human rights have traditionally been on the US and Central Asian agenda since 1990. A stable and secure Central Asia contributes directly to US efforts to combat terrorism in Afghanistan, support regional stability, improve energy security and economic prosperity in the region and beyond. The US believes that regional dialogue is the best way to achieve greater economic success and resolve regional problems, especially hydroelectricity, border issues and transport. Of course, the US will continue to build economic capacity in Central Asia for Afghanistan through the C5+1 format. ‘Disengagement’ of America’s regional policy (from Greater Central Asia to C5+1) is related to greater multi-channel cooperation to strengthen regional integrity and build closer ties with Afghanistan. Will things change with the adoption of the United States Strategy for Central Asia 2019-2025: Promoting Sovereignty and Economic Prosperity? Literature: “United States Strategy for Central Asia 2019-2025: Advancing Sovereignty and Economic Prosperity.” U.S. Department of State. Bureau for South and Central Asia Affairs. February 5, 2020. https://www.state.gov/united-states-strategy-for-central-asia-2019-2025-advancing-sovereignty-and-economic-prosperity/. Kangas, R., and National Defense Univ Washington DC Inst FOR National Strategic Studies. Battling Misperceptions: Challenges to U.S. Security Cooperation in Central Asia, 2008. Cooley, Alexander. "U.S. Bases and Democratization in Central Asia." Orbis 52, no. 1 (2008): 65-90. Oliker, Olga, Shlapak, David A, Project Air Force, and Rand Corporation. U.S. Interests in Central Asia: Policy Priorities and Military Roles. Rand Note ; MG-338. Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation, 2005.
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  1. Russia’s Interests in Central Asia: Securing No One Else’s Interests?

Annotation: By the early 1990s, Central Asia was no longer in Russia’s circle. Although Central Asia is of great strategic importance for Russia, no specific strategy has been developed to address the Kremlin’s so-called ‘soft underbelly’. The main goal of Moscow’s policy in the region is to establish (or re-establish) its sphere of interests through the Soviet objectives and to limit the influence of external actors, mainly the US and China. Although the Kremlin’s Central Asia strategy does not exist per se, Kazakhstan, which has particularly close relations with Russia, stands out from other countries in the region. Putin’s post-Soviet integration efforts are mainly based on Russia-Kazakhstan relations, mainly led by former President Nazarbayev. Russia’s interests in Central Asia require maintaining regimes loyal to Moscow, which is becoming increasingly challenging in the changing environment. While Russia remains one of the other foreign policy partners of the Central Asian countries, the Kremlin also involves them in the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). On the one hand, the Kremlin has an interest in preserving authoritarian regimes close to it in spirit in the region. However, practice has shown that the similarity of systems is not a priori proof of political friendship. The authoritarian rulers of the Central Asian countries remain committed to a multi-vector path and their external partners, mainly the United States and the EU, are ready to engage with local regimes, turning a blind eye to their autocratic corrupt nature. Literature: Malashenko, A. V., and Soly, Jocelyn. The Fight for Influence : Russia in Central Asia. 2013. Ziegler, Charles. "Russia in Central Asia: The Dynamics of Great-Power Politics in a Volatile Region." Asian Perspective 38, no. 4 (2014): 589. Lang, Józef, and Nicu Popescu. Central Asia, the View from Russia. Alert (European Union Institute for Security Studies), 1, January 2015. Paris]: [ISS], 2015. Gussarova, Anna. “Russian soft power in Kazakhstan (and Central Asia): Taking for granted?” Friedrich Ebert Stiftung. 2017. Almaty. https://library.fes.de/pdf-files/bueros/kasachstan/14108.pdf Assanbayev, Mukhit. "Central Asia: Under Pressure from Russia and Its Integration Projects." The Polish Quarterly of International Affairs 24, no. 1 (2015): 123-IV. Górecki, Wojciech. "Ever Further from Moscow. Russia’s Stance on Central Asia." OSW Im. Marka Karpia. April 2014. Accessed August 2, 2020. https://www.osw.waw.pl/sites/default/files/prace_48_ever_further_from_moscow_net.pdf.
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  1. China’s Influence Over Central Asia: Beyond China’s Belt and Road Initiative

Annotation: By the early 1990s, Central Asia was no longer in Russia’s circle. Although Central Asia is of great strategic importance for Russia, no specific strategy has been developed to address the Kremlin’s so-called ‘soft underbelly’. The main goal of Moscow’s policy in the region is to establish (or re-establish) its sphere of interests through the Soviet objectives and to limit the influence of external actors, mainly the US and China. Although the Kremlin’s Central Asia strategy does not exist per se, Kazakhstan, which has particularly close relations with Russia, stands out from other countries in the region. Putin’s post-Soviet integration efforts are mainly based on Russia-Kazakhstan relations, mainly led by former President Nazarbayev. Russia’s interests in Central Asia require maintaining regimes loyal to Moscow, which is becoming increasingly challenging in the changing environment. While Russia remains one of the other foreign policy partners of the Central Asian countries, the Kremlin also involves them in the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). On the one hand, the Kremlin has an interest in preserving authoritarian regimes close to it in spirit in the region. However, practice has shown that the similarity of systems is not a priori proof of political friendship. The authoritarian rulers of the Central Asian countries remain committed to a multi-vector path and their external partners, mainly the United States and the EU, are ready to engage with local regimes, turning a blind eye to their autocratic corrupt nature. Topics covered during the class: Questions to guide discussion: Are the Central Asian relations with China built on a win-win basis, as declared by political leadership? Is cooperation with Central Asian countries beneficial only to China? Does China utilise the weaknesses of the Central Asian corrupted political regimes and the lack of positive economic dynamics to build its zone of economic supremacy? Literature: Kassenova, Nargis. "China's Silk Road and Kazakhstan's Bright Path: Linking Dreams of Prosperity." Asia Policy 24, no. 1 (2017): 110-16. “China’s Belt and Road Initiative and its Impact in Central Asia.” Edit. By Marlene Laruelle. George Washington University, 2017. https://centralasiaprogram.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/OBOR_Book_.pdf. Pantucci, Raffaello. Central Asia, the View from China. Alert (European Union Institute for Security Studies), 3, January 2015. Paris]: [ISS], 2015. Breitmaier, Martin. China’s Rise and Central Asia’s Security. Alert (European Union Institute for Security Studies), 21, June 2016. Paris]: [ISS], 2016. Xu Tao. "New Challenges Currently Confronted by Regional Security in Central Asia: Some Reflections on Security Cooperation between China and Central Asian Countries." 和平与发展, no. 2 (2014): 135-42. Pál, Nyíri. "The Chinese Question in Central Asia: Domestic Order, Social Change and the Chinese Factor." The China Journal, no. 72 (2014): 191-93.
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  1. Central Asia in 2050: Development Opportunities for Sustainable Societies

Annotation: Central Asia has been relatively stable over the last quarter of a century. However, there is uncertainty about the future of the region. Throughout the years of independence, governments have undergone political and socio-economic changes to varying degrees and have not collapsed under pressure from both internal and external risks. However, political transitions, the breakdown of Soviet infrastructure interdependencies, the varying pace of economic progress, the multi-vector foreign policy, driving each Central Asian country towards different political, security and economic entities, are among the many aspects that determine their present and future. Moreover, the Afghanistan plan and the insecurity that is hampering stability in Central Asia have yet to be resolved despite the enormous efforts of the international community. While some national reforms were successful, others had rather detrimental impact on the prosperity of the region. The interest of major powers in the region’s resources and strategic location can be a source of prosperity or conflict, depending on which path the Central Asian countries choose. Literature: Rumer, Boris Z. Central Asia A Gathering Storm? Florence: Taylor and Francis, 2015. Pannier, Bruce. “The Four Big Issues Central Asia Faced In 2019 (And They're Not Going Away).” Rferl. January 2, 2020. https://www.rferl.org/a/central-asia-2019-challenges-security-china-facial-recognition/30356077.html “Central Asia and Afghanistan: Towards a Better World in 2040.” edit. By Anna Gussarova, CAISS. Friedrich Ebert Stiftung. 2016. http://library.fes.de/pdf-files/bueros/kasachstan/13545.pdf. “Central Asia 2050: Unleashing the Region's Potential.” Edited by Rajag M. Nag, Johannes F. Linn and Harinder S. Kohli. 2016. http://www.centennial-group.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Overview-of-Central-Asia-2050.pdf.
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  1. What Is and What Is Not Central Asia? Case Studies, Group Work, Discussion of Required Readings

Annotation: Students are expected to work in groups. Divide into five groups and select a Central Asian country (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan). Analyse its political system, development strategies and foreign policy since 1991. Different global indices can help to prepare a 10-slide presentation. Literature: Adams, Laura L, and Assel Rustemova. "Mass Spectacle and Styles of Governmentality in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan." Europe-Asia Studies: Politics of the Spectacular: Symbolism and Power in Central Asia 61, no. 7 (2009): 1249-276. Gleason, Gregory. "Corruption, Decolonization and Development in Central Asia." European Journal on Criminal Policy and Research 3, no. 2 (1995): 38-47. Heathershaw, John, and Alexander Cooley. "Offshore Central Asia: An Introduction." Central Asian Survey: Offshore Central Asia 34, no. 1 (2015): 1-10. Cooley, Alexander, and J.C Sharman. "Blurring the Line between Licit and Illicit: Transnational Corruption Networks in Central Asia and beyond." Central Asian Survey: Offshore Central Asia 34, no. 1 (2015): 11-28.
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  1. Cross-Border Conflicts in Central Asia: From Water Power to the Search for Identity. Discussion on Literature.

Topics covered during the class: • What will be the national/regional security implications of the current water and energy situation? • Can external actors solve this puzzle? If yes, who and how. If not, why. • What are the possibilities to defuse future cross-border conflicts? Literature: Khamza, Sharifzoda. "Climate Change: An Omitted Security Threat in Central Asia." – The Diplomat. July 22, 2019. Accessed August 7, 2020. https://thediplomat.com/2019/07/climate-change-an-omitted-security-threat-in-central-asia/ S S Zhiltsov. "Politics of Central Asia: Water and Energy Aspect." RUDN Journal of Political Science, no. 3 (2016): 7-18. Duan, Weili, Yaning Chen, Shan Zou, and Daniel Nover. "Managing the Water-climate- Food Nexus for Sustainable Development in Turkmenistan." Journal of Cleaner Production 220 (2019): 212-24. Lea Melnikovová, Bohumil Havrland, and Radim Valenčík. "Rogun – Hydropower Generating Controversy in Central Asia." Acta Universitatis Agriculturae Et Silviculturae Mendelianae Brunensis 62, no. 6 (2014): 1353-361. Chen, Yaning, Li, Zhi, Fang, Gonghuan, and Li, Weihong. "Large Hydrological Processes Changes in the Transboundary Rivers of Central Asia." Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres 123, no. 10 (2018): 5059-069. Pak, Mariya, Kai Wegerich, and Jusipbek Kazbekov. "Re-examining Conflict and Cooperation in Central Asia: A Case Study from the Isfara River, Ferghana Valley." International Journal of Water Resources Development 30, no. 2 (2014): 230-45. Gussarova A.Y. (2017) US Policy in Central Asia: Water-Energy Nexus Priorities. In: Zhiltsov S., Zonn I., Kostianoy A., Semenov A. (eds) Water Resources in Central Asia: International Context. The Handbook of Environmental Chemistry, vol 85. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/698_2017_182
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2

  1. Obstacles to Central Asian Integration and Outlines for Future Cooperation. Discussion on Literature.

Annotation: Obstacles to Central Asian Integration and Outlines for Future Cooperation. Discussion on Literature. Topics covered during the class: Questions for seminar discussion: Is it in Central Asia’s interests not to cooperate? What are the 'real' benefits from regional cooperation? What are the losses in lacking/poor cooperation? What is the price? What is at stake? How to coordinate the activities and efforts if exist? Are high hopes lasting or temporary? How to bring together the image abroad with domestic reality? How to shift from summit-likers to doers? Literature: Krapohl, S., Vasileva-Dienes, A. The region that isn't: China, Russia and the failure of regional integration in Central Asia. Asia Eur J 18, 347–366 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10308-019-00548-0. Johannes F. Linn. “Central Asian Regional Integration and Cooperation: Reality or Mirage?” Brookings. EDB Eurasian Integration Yearbook 2012. https://www.brookings.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/10-regional-integration-and-cooperation-linn.pdf. Zogg, Benno. “Central Asian States: Is Intra-Regional Integration Possible?” ISPI, October 3, 2019. https://www.ispionline.it/en/pubblicazione/central-asian-states-intra-regional-integration-possible-24070. Rakhimov, Mirzokhid. "Internal and External Dynamics of Regional Cooperation in Central Asia." Journal of Eurasian Studies 1, no. 2 (2010): 95-101. doi:10.1016/j.euras.2010.04.002.
EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Class/Seminar
On site
Auditorium
2
2.
Class/Seminar
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. The Security Dilemma in Central Asia. Case study, discussion.

Annotation: Objective: to understand the main security narratives in each Central Asian country. Some of these include centralisation, neutrality, multi-sectoral politics, interdependence (coercive), personalisation of security and cooperation, internal and external security threats through foreign policy and security concepts, and discourse analysis. Students are expected to contribute to the development strategies and foreign policy concepts of Central Asian countries to participate in the discussion. Topics covered during the class: • How important is the Hobbesian trap for Central Asia? • How can the prisoner’s dilemma be applied to Central Asia’s security challenges? Literature: McGlinchey, Eric. Chaos, Violence, Dynasty Politics and Islam in Central Asia. Central Eurasia in Context. Pittsburgh PA: University of Pittsburgh Press, 2011. Chernykh, Irina, and Rustam Burnashev. "Conditions for Securitization of International Terrorism in Central Asia." Connections: The Quarterly Journal 04, no. 1 (2005): 131-42. “The Prisoner’s Dilemma” in Central Asia and the Afghanistan Factor. Cabar.asia, 2016, http://cabar.asia/en/the-prisoner-s-dilemma-in-central-asia-and-the-afghanistan-factor/. Lemon, Edward. "Central Asia Brings Foreign Fighters' Families Home, but What Next?" OpenDemocracy. June 26, 2019. Accessed July 13, 2020. https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/odr/returnees-central-asia/. Lemon, Edward. "Kennan Cable No. 38: Talking Up Terrorism in Central Asia." Wilson Center. December 2018. Accessed August 13, 2020. https://www.wilsoncenter.org/publication/kennan-cable-no-38-talking-terrorism-central-asia. Lynch, Thomas, Michael Bouffard, Kelsey King, and Graham Vickowski. "The Return of Foreign Fighters to Central Asia: Implications for U.S. Counterrorism Policy." INSS Strategic Perspectives, no. 21 (2016): 0_5-33.
EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Class/Seminar
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. How do Central Asian countries use regional and international organisations? Group work. Discussion.

Annotation: Many international financial institutions are present throughout Central Asia. For example, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the World Bank (WB) lead in the number of projects and financial investments. They provide direct assistance for the development of transport and communications infrastructure, agriculture and the hydropower sector. ADB and the WB are major financial contributors to the CAREC programme, TAPI and CASAREM energy projects, which will link markets and transport corridors in Central and South Asia and promote trade and economic cooperation in the long term. Students choose from several institutions (WB, ADB, EBRD, CSTO, CIS, CIP, SCO, PfP NATO, OSCE, UN, etc.) and prepare a group presentation on the Central Asian agenda in this organisation, how each country in the region benefits from membership. Result: a seminar discussion based on a 15-slide presentation, followed by a Q&A session.
EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Class/Seminar
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. European Neighbourhood Policy in Central Asia: Obstacles To Deeper Cooperation. Discussion on Literature.

Topics covered during the class: • What are the limits to closer cooperation between the EU and Central Asia? • What interests do the EU and Central Asia have in relation to each other? • How likely is the success of the 2019 Strategy? Literature: Gussarova, Anna and Maris Andzans. “Policy Paper No. 14: The 2019 EU Strategy on Central Asia: SEnECA recommendations for implementation; Part I,” Strengthening and Energizing EU-Central Asia Relations, September 2019, https://www.seneca-eu.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/SEnECA_Policy_Paper_14_2019.pdf Gussarova, Anna and Maris Andzans. “Policy Paper No. 15: The 2019 EU Strategy on Central Asia: SEnECA recommendations for implementation; Part II,” Strengthening and Energizing EU-Central Asia Relations, September 2019, https://www.seneca-eu.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/SEnECA_Policy_Paper_15_2019.pdf
EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Class/Seminar
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. US Public Diplomacy in Central Asia: Challenge or Opportunity? Discussion on Literature.

Literature: Rumer, Boris, Richard Sokolsky, and Paul Stronski, “U.S. Policy Toward Central Asia 3.0.” January 25, 2016. Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. https://carnegieendowment.org/2016/01/25/u.s.-policy-toward-central-asia-3.0-pub-62556. Cutchins, Andrew C. “A Vision for Shared Prosperity in Central Asia.” CSIS. April 14, 2015. https://www.csis.org/analysis/vision-shared-prosperity-central-asia. Leonard, Peter. “Perspectives | US strategy for Central Asia: An old recipe for a new situation.” Eurasianet, February 6, 2020. https://eurasianet.org/perspectives-us-strategy-for-central-asia-an-old-recipe-for-a-new-situation.
EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Class/Seminar
On site
Auditorium
2
2.
Class/Seminar
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. Why Do the People of Central Asia Care About Russia. Discussion on Literature.

Literature: Dubnov, Arkady. “Reflecting on a Quarter Century of Russia’s Relations With Central Asia.” Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. April 19, 2018. https://carnegieendowment.org/2018/04/19/reflecting-on-quarter-century-of-russia-s-relations-with-central-asia-pub-76117. Malashenko, A. V., and Soly, Jocelyn. The Fight for Influence : Russia in Central Asia. 2013. Freiré, Maria Raquel. "RUSSIAN POLICY IN CENTRAL ASIA: SUPPORTING, BALANCING, COERCING, OR IMPOSING?" Asian Perspective 33, no. 2 (2009): 125-49. Tolipov, Farkhod. "Strategic Implications of the War in Ukraine for the Post-Soviet Space: A View from Central Asia." Connections : The Quarterly Journal 14, no. 4 (2015): 11-20. Paramonov, Vladimir., Strokov, Aleksey, and Stolpovski, Oleg. Russia in Central Asia : Policy, Security, and Economics. New York: Nova Science Publishers, 2009.
EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Class/Seminar
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. The Pitfalls of China’s Growing Role in Central Asia. Case Study, Discussion on Literature.

Annotation: Students are expected to prepare a case study (choose one Central Asian country) to show where China has strengthened its position and increased its influence. A 10-slide presentation, followed by a Q&A session with a discussion of literature. Literature: Pantucci, Raffaello. “China’s Complicated Relationship With Central Asia.” The Global Observatory. November 8, 2019. https://theglobalobservatory.org/2019/11/chinas-complicated-relationship-central-asia/ Scobell, Andrew, Ely Ratner, and Michael Beckley. “China's Strategy Toward South and Central Asia: An Empty Fortress.” Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation, 2014. https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RR525.html. Umarov, Temur. “China Looms Large in Central Asia.” Carnegie Moscow Center. https://carnegie.ru/commentary/81402. Yan, Yau Tsz. “China taking Big Brother to Central Asia.” Eurasianet. September 6, 2019. https://eurasianet.org/china-taking-big-brother-to-central-asia. Jardine, Bradley. “China’s Surveillance State Has Eyes on Central Asia.” Foreign Policy. November 15, 2019. https://foreignpolicy.com/2019/11/15/huawei-xinjiang-kazakhstan-uzbekistan-china-surveillance-state-eyes-central-asia/. Nurgozhayeva, Roza. “How Is China’s Belt and Road Changing Central Asia?” The Diplomat, July 9, 2020. https://thediplomat.com/2020/07/how-is-chinas-belt-and-road-changing-central-asia/. Sukhankin, Sergey. “The Security Component of the BRI in Central Asia, Part One: Chinese and Regional Perspectives on Security in Central Asia.” Jamestown Foundation. China Brief, No 20:12. https://jamestown.org/program/the-security-component-of-the-bri-in-central-asia-part-one-chinese-and-regional-perspectives-on-security-in-central-asia/.
EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Class/Seminar
On site
Auditorium
2

  1. Central Asia: Scenarios for 2050

Annotation: Using the Matrix for assessing external factors (Moriarty et al. 2007), students work in groups to develop scenarios for each Central Asian country, then present and discuss them in a seminar.
EventType
Modality
Location
Contact hours
1.
Class/Seminar
On site
Auditorium
2
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
7.00
Contact hours:
46 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam (Written)

Bibliography

Required Reading

1.

Visa literatūra ir angļu valodā un piemērota gan latviešu, gan angļu plūsmas studentiem

2.

Laruelle, Marlene. "Discussing Neopatrimonialism and Patronal Presidentialism in the Central Asian Context." Demokratizatsiya 20, no. 4 (2012): 301-324.

3.

Cooley,  Alexander and John Heathershaw.  Dictators Without Borders:  Power and Money in Central Asia. Yale University Press, 2017.

4.

Matveeva, Anna. "Legitimising Central Asian Authoritarianism: Political Manipulation and Symbolic Power." Europe-Asia Studies: Politics of the Spectacular: Symbolism and Power in Central Asia 61, no. 7 (2009): 1095-121.

5.

Laruelle, Marlene. "Central Asia’s Globalized Despots." Journal of Democracy 28, no. 3 (2017): 173-76.

6.

Anderson, John.  Kyrgyzstan: Central Asia's Island of Democracy? Postcommunist States and Nations. London: Routledge, 2007.

7.

Slate, Aura Carmen. "Water geopolitics in Central Asia. Case Study – Future Implications of Rogun Hydropower Plant." Europolis, Journal Of Political Science And Theory 8, no. 1 (15) (2014): 51-73.

8.

Baizakova, Zhulduz. "Border Issues in Central Asia: Current Conflicts, Controversies and Compromises." Revista UNISCI, no. 45 (2017): Revista UNISCI, Oct 2017, Issue 45.

9.

Korostelina, Karina. "Introduction: Conflicts in Central Asia." Communist and Post-Communist Studies 40, no. 2 (2007): 123-27.

10.

Siegfried, Tobias, Thomas Bernauer, Renaud Guiennet, Scott Sellars, Andrew Robertson, W. Mankin, Justin Bauer-Gottwein, and Peter Yakovlev. "Will Climate Change Exacerbate Water Stress in Central Asia?" Climatic Change 112, no. 3-4 (2012): 881-99.

11.

Bichsel, C. "It's about More Water. Natural Resource Conflicts in Central Asia." 2009.

12.

Aminjonov, Farkhod. Limitations of the Central Asian Energy Security Policy. Centre for International Governance Innovation, 2016.

13.

Tolipov, Farkhod. "Geopolitical Stipulation of Central Asian Integration." Strategic Analysis 34, no. 1 (2010): 104-13.

14.

Burçin Yereli, Ahmet, Mustafa Kızıltan, and Emre Atsan. "Analysis of Central Asia economic integration projects from the viewpoint of convergence hypothesis." Socioeconomica 4, no. 8 (2015): 253-76.

15.

Azizov, Ulugbek. "Regional Integration in Central Asia: From Knowing-that to Knowing-how." Journal of Eurasian Studies 8, no. 2 (2017): 123-35.

16.

Krapohl, S., Vasileva-Dienes, A. The region that isn't: China, Russia and the failure of regional integration in Central Asia. Asia Eur J 18, 347–366 (2020).

17.

Pourchot, Georgeta, and Yannis A Stivachtis. "International Society and Regional Integration in Central Asia." Journal of Eurasian Studies 5, no. 1 (2014): 68-76.

18.

Wang, Weiran. "The Effects of Regional Integration in Central Asia." Emerging Markets, Finance & Trade 50 (2014): 219.

19.

Lemon, Edward. "Critical Approaches to Security in Central Asia: An Introduction." Central Asian Survey: Critical Approaches to Security in Central Asia 37, no. 1 (2018): 1-12.

20.

Omelicheva, Mariya Y. Counterterrorism Policies in Central Asia. Central Asian Studies. Hoboken: Taylor & Francis, 2010.

21.

Lain, Sarah. "Strategies for countering terrorism and extremism in Central Asia." Asian Affairs 47, no. 3 (2016): 386-405.

22.

Olcott, Martha B., and Natalia Udalova. "Drug Trafficking Central Asia - Carnegie Endowment for International Peace." Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. March 2000. Accessed August 2, 2020.

23.

Frigerio, Alessandro, and Nargis Kassenova. "Central Asia: Contemporary Security Challenges and Sources of State Resilience." Security and Human Rights 24, no. 2 (2013): 123-35.

24.

Laruelle, Marlene and Sebastien Peyrouse. “Regional Organisations in Central Asia: Patterns of Interaction, Dilemmas of Efficiency.” University of Central Asia. Working Paper No 10, 2012.

25.

Gleason, Gregory. "Inter-State Cooperation in Central Asia from the CIS to the Shanghai Forum." Europe-Asia Studies 53, no. 7 (2001): 1077-095.

26.

Dunay, Pál. "The OSCEs of Central Asia." Central Asian Survey: The Helsinki Final Act Four Decades On: Critical Reflections on the OSCE in Eurasia 36, no. 3 (2017): 300-12.

27.

"The OSCE in Central Asia: A New Strategy." Crisis Group. October 10, 2016. Accessed August 15, 2020.

28.

George, Bruce. "NATO, OSCE, and Regional Security Issues in Central Asia and the Caucasus." Perceptions 2 (1998): 135-42.

29.

Kassenova, Nargis. "The New EU Strategy towards Central Asia: A View from the Region." CEPS Policy Briefs, no. 1-12 (2008): 1-8.

30.

Gross, Eva. Recalibrating EU-Central Asia Relations. Brief (European Union Institute for Security Studies), 16, June 2015. Paris]: [EUISS], 2015.

31.

Arynov, Zhanibek. "Changing Perceptions of the European Union in Central Asia", L'Europe en Formation, 2018/1, No385: 61-73.

32.

Gussarova, Anna and Māris Andžāns, eds., Policy Paper No. 1. Political and security relations. Mapping EU-Central Asian relations.

33.

Gussarova, Anna and Māris Andžāns, eds., Policy Paper No. 4. Economic relations and trade. Mapping EU-Central Asia relations (2018).

34.

Gussarova, Anna and Māris Andžāns, “Policy Paper No. 7: Cultural and other relations – Mapping EU-Central Asia relations. Strengthening and Energizing EU-Central Asia Relations, September 2018.

35.

“United States Strategy for Central Asia 2019-2025: Advancing Sovereignty and Economic Prosperity.” U.S. Department of State. Bureau for South and Central Asia Affairs. February 5, 2020.

36.

Kangas, R., and National Defense Univ Washington DC Inst FOR National Strategic Studies. Battling Misperceptions: Challenges to U.S. Security Cooperation in Central Asia

37.

Cooley, Alexander. "U.S. Bases and Democratization in Central Asia." Orbis 52, no. 1 (2008): 65-90.

38.

Oliker, Olga, Shlapak, David A, Project Air Force, and Rand Corporation. U.S. Interests in Central Asia: Policy Priorities and Military Roles. Rand Note ; MG-338. Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation, 2005.

39.

Malashenko, A. V., and Soly, Jocelyn. The Fight for Influence : Russia in Central Asia. 2013.

40.

Ziegler, Charles. "Russia in Central Asia: The Dynamics of Great-Power Politics in a Volatile Region." Asian Perspective 38, no. 4 (2014): 589.

41.

Lang, Józef, and Nicu Popescu. Central Asia, the View from Russia. Alert (European Union Institute for Security Studies), 1, January 2015. Paris]: [ISS], 2015.

42.

Gussarova, Anna. “Russian soft power in Kazakhstan (and Central Asia): Taking for granted?” Friedrich Ebert Stiftung. 2017. Almaty.

43.

Assanbayev, Mukhit. "Central Asia: Under Pressure from Russia and Its Integration Projects." The Polish Quarterly of International Affairs 24, no. 1 (2015): 123-IV.

44.

Górecki, Wojciech. "Ever Further from Moscow. Russia’s Stance on Central Asia." OSW Im. Marka Karpia. April 2014. Accessed August 2, 2020.

45.

Kassenova, Nargis. "China's Silk Road and Kazakhstan's Bright Path: Linking Dreams of Prosperity." Asia Policy 24, no. 1 (2017): 110-16.

46.

“China’s Belt and Road Initiative and its Impact in Central Asia.” Edit. By Marlene Laruelle. George Washington University, 2017.

47.

Pantucci, Raffaello. Central Asia, the View from China. Alert (European Union Institute for Security Studies), 3, January 2015. Paris]: [ISS], 2015.

48.

Breitmaier, Martin. China’s Rise and Central Asia’s Security. Alert (European Union Institute for Security Studies), 21, June 2016. Paris]: [ISS], 2016.

49.

Xu Tao. "New Challenges Currently Confronted by Regional Security in Central Asia: Some Reflections on Security Cooperation between China and Central Asian Countries." 和平与发展, no. 2 (2014): 135-42.

50.

Pál, Nyíri. "The Chinese Question in Central Asia: Domestic Order, Social Change and the Chinese Factor." The China Journal, no. 72 (2014): 191-93.

51.

Rumer, Boris Z. Central Asia A Gathering Storm? Florence: Taylor and Francis, 2015.

52.

Pannier, Bruce. “The Four Big Issues Central Asia Faced In 2019 (And They're Not Going Away).” Rferl. January 2, 2020.

53.

“Central Asia 2050: Unleashing the Region's Potential.” Edited by Rajag M. Nag, Johannes F. Linn and Harinder S. Kohli. 2016.

54.

“Central Asia and Afghanistan: Towards a Better World in 2040.” edit. By Anna Gussarova, CAISS. Friedrich Ebert Stiftung. 2016.

55.

Adams, Laura L, and Assel Rustemova. "Mass Spectacle and Styles of Governmentality in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan." Europe-Asia Studies: Politics of the Spectacular: Symbolism and Power in Central Asia 61, no. 7 (2009): 1249-276.

56.

Gleason, Gregory. "Corruption, Decolonization and Development in Central Asia." European Journal on Criminal Policy and Research 3, no. 2 (1995): 38-47.

57.

Heathershaw, John, and Alexander Cooley. "Offshore Central Asia: An Introduction." Central Asian Survey: Offshore Central Asia 34, no. 1 (2015): 1-10.

58.

Cooley, Alexander, and J.C Sharman. "Blurring the Line between Licit and Illicit: Transnational Corruption Networks in Central Asia and beyond." Central Asian Survey: Offshore Central Asia 34, no. 1 (2015): 11-28.

59.

Khamza, Sharifzoda. "Climate Change: An Omitted Security Threat in Central Asia." – The Diplomat. July 22, 2019. Accessed August 7, 2020.

60.

S S Zhiltsov. "Politics of Central Asia: Water and Energy Aspect." RUDN Journal of Political Science, no. 3 (2016): 7-18.

61.

Duan, Weili, Yaning Chen, Shan Zou, and Daniel Nover. "Managing the Water-climate- Food Nexus for Sustainable Development in Turkmenistan." Journal of Cleaner Production 220 (2019): 212-24.

62.

Lea Melnikovová, Bohumil Havrland, and Radim Valenčík. "Rogun – Hydropower Generating Controversy in Central Asia." Acta Universitatis Agriculturae Et Silviculturae Mendelianae Brunensis 62, no. 6 (2014): 1353-361.

63.

Chen, Yaning, Li, Zhi, Fang, Gonghuan, and Li, Weihong. "Large Hydrological Processes Changes in the Transboundary Rivers of Central Asia." Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres 123, no. 10 (2018): 5059-069.

64.

Pak, Mariya, Kai Wegerich, and Jusipbek Kazbekov. "Re-examining Conflict and Cooperation in Central Asia: A Case Study from the Isfara River, Ferghana Valley." International Journal of Water Resources Development 30, no. 2 (2014): 230-45.

65.

Gussarova A.Y. (2017) US Policy in Central Asia: Water-Energy Nexus Priorities. In: Zhiltsov S., Zonn I., Kostianoy A., Semenov A. (eds) Water Resources in Central Asia: International Context. The Handbook of Environmental Chemistry, vol 85. Springer, Cham.

66.

Krapohl, S., Vasileva-Dienes, A. The region that isn't: China, Russia and the failure of regional integration in Central Asia. Asia Eur J 18, 347–366 (2020).

67.

Johannes F. Linn. “Central Asian Regional Integration and Cooperation: Reality or Mirage?” Brookings. EDB Eurasian Integration Yearbook 2012.

68.

Zogg, Benno. “Central Asian States: Is Intra-Regional Integration Possible?” ISPI, October 3, 2019.

69.

Rakhimov, Mirzokhid. "Internal and External Dynamics of Regional Cooperation in Central Asia." Journal of Eurasian Studies 1, no. 2 (2010): 95-101. doi:10.1016/j.euras.2010.04.002.

70.

McGlinchey, Eric. Chaos, Violence, Dynasty Politics and Islam in Central Asia. Central Eurasia in Context. Pittsburgh PA: University of Pittsburgh Press, 2011.

71.

Chernykh, Irina, and Rustam Burnashev. "Conditions for Securitization of International Terrorism in Central Asia." Connections: The Quarterly Journal 04, no. 1 (2005): 131-42.

72.

“The Prisoner’s Dilemma” in Central Asia and the Afghanistan Factor. Cabar.asia, 2016.

73.

Lemon, Edward. "Central Asia Brings Foreign Fighters' Families Home, but What Next?" OpenDemocracy. June 26, 2019. Accessed July 13, 2020.

74.

Lemon, Edward. "Kennan Cable No. 38: Talking Up Terrorism in Central Asia." Wilson Center. December 2018. Accessed August 13, 2020.

75.

Lynch, Thomas, Michael Bouffard, Kelsey King, and Graham Vickowski. "The Return of Foreign Fighters to Central Asia: Implications for U.S. Counterrorism Policy." INSS Strategic Perspectives, no. 21 (2016): 0_5-33.

76.

Gussarova, Anna and Maris Andzans. “Policy Paper No. 14: The 2019 EU Strategy on Central Asia: SEnECA recommendations for implementation; Part I,” Strengthening and Energizing EU-Central Asia Relations, September 2019.

77.

Gussarova, Anna and Maris Andzans. “Policy Paper No. 15: The 2019 EU Strategy on Central Asia: SEnECA recommendations for implementation; Part II,” Strengthening and Energizing EU-Central Asia Relations, September 2019.

78.

Rumer, Boris, Richard Sokolsky, and Paul Stronski, “U.S. Policy Toward Central Asia 3.0.” January 25, 2016. Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

79.

Cutchins, Andrew C. “A Vision for Shared Prosperity in Central Asia.” CSIS. April 14, 2015.

80.

Leonard, Peter. “Perspectives | US strategy for Central Asia: An old recipe for a new situation.” Eurasianet, February 6, 2020.

81.

Dubnov, Arkady. “Reflecting on a Quarter Century of Russia’s Relations With Central Asia.” Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. April 19, 2018.

82.

Freiré, Maria Raquel. "Russian policy in Central Asia: supporting, balancing, coercing, or imposing?" Asian Perspective 33, no. 2 (2009): 125-49.

83.

Tolipov, Farkhod. "Strategic Implications of the War in Ukraine for the Post-Soviet Space: A View from Central Asia." Connections : The Quarterly Journal 14, no. 4 (2015): 11-20.

84.

Pantucci, Raffaello. “China’s Complicated Relationship With Central Asia.” The Global Observatory. November 8, 2019.

85.

Scobell, Andrew, Ely Ratner, and Michael Beckley. “China's Strategy Toward South and Central Asia: An Empty Fortress.” Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation, 2014.

86.

Umarov, Temur. “China Looms Large in Central Asia.” Carnegie Moscow Center.

87.

Yan, Yau Tsz. “China taking Big Brother to Central Asia.” Eurasianet. September 6, 2019.

88.

Jardine, Bradley. “China’s Surveillance State Has Eyes on Central Asia.” Foreign Policy. November 15, 2019.

89.

Nurgozhayeva, Roza. “How Is China’s Belt and Road Changing Central Asia?” The Diplomat, July 9, 2020.

90.

Sukhankin, Sergey. “The Security Component of the BRI in Central Asia, Part One: Chinese and Regional Perspectives on Security in Central Asia.” Jamestown Foundation. China Brief, No 20:12.

Additional Reading

1.

Cooley, Alexander. Great Games, Local Rules the New Great Power Contest in Central Asia. New York ; Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2012.

2.

Heathershaw, John, Catherine Owen, and Alexander Cooley. "Centred Discourse, Decentred Practice: The Relational Production of Russian and Chinese 'rising' Power in Central Asia." Third World Quarterly: Special Issue: Rising Powers and State Transformation. Guest Editors: Shahar Hameiri, Lee Jones and John Heathershaw 40, no. 8 (2019): 1440-458.

3.

Laruelle, Marlene. "What we have (not) learned about twentieth-century Central Asian history." Demokratizatsiya 20, no. 3 (2012): 216-22.

4.

Bedeski, Robert E., ProQuest, Swanström, Niklas, and International Institute for Strategic Studies. Eurasia's Ascent in Energy and Geopolitics Rivalry or Partnership for China, Russia and Central Asia? Routledge Contemporary Asia Series ; 35. London ; New York: Routledge, 2012.

5.

Marat, Erica. "Nation Branding in Central Asia: A New Campaign to Present Ideas about the State and the Nation." Europe-Asia Studies: Politics of the Spectacular: Symbolism and Power in Central Asia 61, no. 7 (2009): 1123-136.

6.

Gleason, Gregory. "Foreign Policy and Domestic Reform in Central Asia." Central Asian Survey 20, no. 2 (2001): 167-82.

7.

Tolipov, Farkhod. "Nationalism as a Geopolitical Phenomenon: The Central Asian Case." Central Asian Survey 20, no. 2 (2001): 183-94.

8.

Pierobon, Chiara. "The Development of Civil Society in Post-Soviet Kyrgyzstan." Annali Di Ca' Foscari : Rivista Della Facoltà Di Lingue E Letterature Straniere Dell'Università Di Venezia 54, no. 1 (2018): 107-133.

9.

"Syria Calling: Radicalisation in Central Asia." Crisis Group. August 23, 2016. Accessed August 3, 2020.

10.

Elshimi, Mohammed S., Raffaello Pantucci, Sarah Lain, and Nadine L. Salman. "Understanding the Factors Contributing to Radicalisation Among Central Asian Labour Migrants in Russia." RUSI. April 26, 2018. Accessed July 23, 2020.

11.

Gussarova, Anna. "Countering Extremism vs. Freedom of Online Expression: The case of Kazakhstan." Central Asia Program, Paper 201. January 2018. Accessed June 25, 2020.

12.

Gleason, Gregory. "The Politics of Counterinsurgency in Central Asia." Problems of Post-Communism 49, no. 2 (2002): 3-14.

13.

Tolipov, Farkhod. "Strategic Implications of the War in Ukraine for the Post-Soviet Space: A View from Central Asia." Connections : The Quarterly Journal 14, no. 4 (2015): 11-20.

14.

Aminjonov, Farkhod. "Central Asian Gas Exports Dependency: Swapping Russian Patronage for Chinese." The RUSI Journal 163, no. 2 (2018): 66-77.

15.

Kavalski, Emilian. The New Central Asia : The Regional Impact of International Actors. New Jersey: World Scientific, 2010.

16.

Gussarova, Anna, Farkhod Aminjonov, and Yevgeniy Khon. “The Eurasian Economic Union and the Silk Road Economic Belt. Competition or Convergence? Implications for Central Asia.” Analysis. CAISS. Friedrich Ebert Stiftung. Almaty. July 2017.

17.

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