China, Russia and Central Asian Infrastructure

This book evaluates Central Asian regionalism by analyzing the impact of Russia and China on physical infrastructure in the region. The narrative builds a picture of the nature of the two powers’ influence on the development of regional connectivity in Central Asia. The study covers the 30-year period since the dissolution of the Soviet Union, with a focus on the last decade preceding the global pandemic. Qualitative research methods, i.e., documentary analysis, media analysis, and elite interviews, are implemented to explore how activities of Russia and China impact regional cooperation among Central Asian states. Multiple case studies of projects in the networked sectors of infrastructure, i.e., transportation, energy, and telecommunications, are used to build the argument and demonstrate the ways in which Russia’s and China’s engagement influence regional connectivity. The book is of interest to the scholars who study international relations in Eurasia, major power relations, Sino-Russian relations, China foreign policy, international institutions in Asia, multilateralism, and regionalism. The empirical depth of the book attracts attention of area studies scholars who focus on Central Asia, Central Eurasia, and any of the five Central Asian states. Additionally, the scholars who analyze the roles of hard infrastructure find the book particularly important. The in-depth cases on multilateral financial institutions and regional networks, particularly energy, transportation, and telecommunication, are of great value to those interested in these respective sectors.

“There is no overstating the outsized influence of the Chinese and the Russians on regionalism in Central Asia. Peter Krasnopolsky has written an outstanding work on the patterns of cooperation and competition that define the region’s evolving infrastructure and connectivity, and the respective contributions by China and Russia to that end. Krasnopolsky’s book is an absolute must read for anyone seeking to understand contemporary Central Asia.” (See Seng Tan, Research Advisor, S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Singapore)
“With all eyes on the significance of Sino-Russian relations for global politics, Peter Krasnopolsky highlights the challenges their partnership has posed for Central Asia’s regional economic development. His extensive field work provides a granular exploration of the different impacts Russia and China have had on the trajectory of Central Asian regionalism, especially in building institutions, infrastructure, and connectivity.” (Elizabeth Wishnick, Senior Research Scientist CNA, and Professor of Political Science, Montclair State University, US)

Peter Krasnopolsky lived and taught in China for ten years. He conducted research in, Beijing, Bishkek, and Almaty and extensively traveled through China and Central Asia. Peter received Ph.D. from the University of Nottingham and Master’s from Nanyang Technological University in Singapore. He is based in Bayonne, New Jersey.