China and Russia are the two most important and controversial partners of Central Asian states. While the dynamic relationship of Central Asian states with its two large neighbours is the topic of much debate, the role of public opinion shaping these relations is seldomly discussed. Given the prevalence of authoritarianism in the region, studying Central Asian public opinion is difficult and its impact on government policy is limited.
Nonetheless, recent developments merit a discussion on the current perception of China and Russia in Central Asia. Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, launched in February 2022, has contributed to a growing polarisation within Central Asian societies. After the Crocus City Concert Hall terrorist attack in Moscow this spring, Russia has experienced an unprecedented upsurge of anti-immigration sentiment, which has primarily targeted Russia’s Central Asian migrant population. Meanwhile, China’s ever-growing presence in Central Asia means that an increasing number of the region’s inhabitants have a perception of China based on personal experience, not just media reporting.
This webinar brings together two experts of Central Asian public opinion to examine the perception of China and Russia in within the five post-Soviet states of the region and any changes in perceptions in recent years.
Programme:
Speakers:
Zhanibek Arynov, Assistant Professor, Nazarbayev University, Kazakhstan
Kasiet Ysmanova, Director, Central Asia Barometer (CAB), Kyrgyzstan
Chair:
Kristiina Silvan, Postdoctoral Fellow, FIIA
More information: events@fiia.fi