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Paper short abstract:

China’s growing influence in the Central Asian states is seized upon by many geopoliticians as evidence of a great power on the edge of the Eurasian heartland emerging hegemonic in world politics. I argue that China's influence in Central Asia is neither straightforward nor likely to be complete.

Paper long abstract:

China’s expanding maritime reach from its oceanic frontage grabs much attention among policymakers and analysts of geopolitics. As an amphibious power, China’s interests also point inward towards the Eurasian landmass, or what geopolitician Halford Mackinder coined in the early twentieth century the “heartland.” Mackinder prophesied that a great power on edge of the heartland (the rimland, in Mackinder speak) able to control it would emerge hegemonic in world politics. China’s increasing influence in the Central Asian states – sitting in the core of the heartland – and the lack of a Eurasian counterweight power to balance it is seized upon by some geopoliticians as evidence of this prophesy coming true. We argue that China’s prospective dominance of the heartland is neither straightforward nor likely to be complete, at least when viewed through the lens of traditional geopolitics. Conceptualizations of geopolitical rivalry that overemphasize 'control' of territory and the overseas stationing of conventional military forces, however, serve to distort analysis on involvement of great powers in the crucial Central Asian region. China's role in the region is multifaceted and often times not driven by central government policy. At the same time, the article posits that current efforts by the U.S. and its allies to stem Beijing’s rising political and military sway neglect the crucial Eurasian dimension of Chinese long-term grand strategy. If Washington's so-called Indo-Pacific strategy is to contain Beijing so it does not become hegemonic, then American policymakers would do well to remember that China is first and foremost a continental power.

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Paper short abstract:

The very recently established Franco-German Cultural Institute in Kyrgyzstan is one of few integrated institutes in the world and is unique in the sphere of cultural diplomacy. What are its possible developments and its potential in a highly competitive environment in terms of soft power?

Paper long abstract:

The Franco-German Cultural Institute located in Bishkek is one of four integrated cultural institutes in the world. This unique kind of institute in the sphere of cultural diplomacy was initiated by the Aachen treaty of 22 January 2019, an agreement between the Federal Republic of Germany and the French Republic (art. 9). The idea behind the integrated cultural institutes is not only to establish a 'shared house' with the French Institute and the Goethe Institute, but also to establish a common cultural program, to share its financial costs, and lead the Franco-German institute alternatively.

The very recently established institute in Bishkek leads us to inevitable questions about its possible internal development and its potential in Kyrgyzstan. In a highly competitive environment with American, Chinese, Russian, and, to some extend, Turkish soft powers, what visibility and effectiveness will have the Franco-German Cultural Institute?

The aim of my newly started research is to understand the dynamics of the cultural scene in Bishkek viz. Kyrgyzstan. I want to know the influence that the French and German cultural institutions already have on this scene. Furthermore, it is also necessary to compare their influence with the American, Chinese, Russian and Turkish ones. My task will finally consist in giving some recommendations for the future development of the Franco-German Cultural Institute.

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Paper long abstract:

This paper attempts to analyse the main instruments of the PRC's "soft power" policy in Central Asia, and the prerequisites and consequences of its use. The authors substantiate the idea that China considers the use of "soft power" tools in its foreign policy activities to be one of the most effective means of implementing a strategic course to strengthen the country’s geopolitical presence and help it become a leading global power; China attaches great importance to the development of relations with its closest neighbors, and the creation of a kind of "security belt" around the country. At the same time, the increasing role of global projects such as the BRI and financial instrument such as the AIIB further strengthens the position of the PRC. In addition to financial instruments, Beijing is actively promoting cooperation programs in the field of education, including exchange students and young leaders. However, despite the enormous efforts and concentration of soft power tools, the presence of differences in mentality, culture and traditions does not allow the China to fully achieve the "favor" of the local population. To conduct in-depth research, the paper uses the methods of expert’s assessment, analysis of a large number of scientific materials with specific examples that clearly reflect the appears of the use of "soft power" and its results. It was concluded that China's desire to have a firm presence in Central Asia will grow steadily. This causes concern not only for the countries of the region themselves, but also for other global actors.