Paper abstract:

This paper examines the impact of sanctions against Russia on the agency of Central Asian states. The search for agency of Central Asian countries has emerged as a major element in Central Asian studies. Concepts such as sovereignty, multi-vector policies, accommodating regionalism, and connectivity can all be seen as pieces of a larger emerging research program that centers on the quest for the agency of Central Asian states. Efforts to identify, articulate, and consolidate the agency of Central Asian states are taking place in both academic and policy spheres. International organizations and Western countries, in particular, have publicly embraced and contributed to this quest. However, new international dynamics stemming from the war in Ukraine and subsequent intensification of sanctions against Russia have increased pressure on Central Asian countries and can work to curb their independent agency. This situation raises questions about the sustainability of the agency of Central Asian states. This paper focuses on the evolution of policy discourse and academic narrative surrounding the agency of Central Asian states. The theoretical basis of the paper will rely on the high politics vs. low politics framework. Empirical data will draw on a systematic study of discourse and posture demonstrated by officials of major powers when visiting Central Asian countries and the reaction of local officials to their foreign counterparts (particularly in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan) since the war. Overall, this paper contributes to the ongoing discussion on the agency of Central Asian states and sheds light on the impact of sanctions against Russia on their independent agency from a regional perspective.