Soft Power of China in Central Asia

Student: Orlov Vladislav

Supervisor: Vera Ageeva

Faculty: Saint-Petersburg School of Social Sciences

Educational Programme: Political Science and World Politics (Bachelor)

Year of Graduation: 2020

This graduation paper examines China's soft power strategy in the Central Asian region. The work answers the research question "What are the results of China's soft power strategy in Central Asia?" Three main instruments of China's soft power in Central Asia are distinguished: public diplomacy, educational and cultural programs, and economic interaction. An analysis of official documents, speeches by country representatives, statistics and surveys of Central Asian residents reveals that China’s soft power strategy is successfully working for the young population, attracting more and more international students to study in China, as well as to participate in cultural and educational events. However, among the population of Central Asia, there is uncertainty regarding China. This certainty can turn both against China or according to its goals, depending on further actions of China in the region.

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