From Bishkek to the World: Kyrgyzstan’s Expanding Influence

Kyrgyzstan is a country that has undergone a series of events that have shaped it since the beginning of the 21st century. Someone who has never heard of Kyrgyzstan may point out that at first glance it is a country that is not significant and is just „another developing country“. However, as they say, appearances can be deceiving and, as far as Kyrgyzstan is concerned, this is the case. Not only is Kyrgyzstan regarded as a mighty and influential actor in the Central Asian region, but it is also increasingly coming to the attention of large and influential states in Asia, such as China, but it is also coming to the attention of states and organizations such as the United States of America and the European Union.

Kyrgyzstan Leads the Way in Regional Diplomacy and Integration

One of the areas where Kyrgyzstan exerts its influence is the Central Asian region. It is often a „leader“ in arranging negotiations and negotiating various bilateral or multilateral agreements. These agreements greatly help to strengthen relations between the neighbors of the Central Asian region and the development of this region in the „domestic sphere“ but also in the „global sphere“. These agreements include „trade deals“, „infrastructure projects“, and „security collaborations“.

An example of treaties that have been signed recently and where Kyrgyzstan played a very big role is the „Central Asian Digital Transformation“ of 2023. The signatories of this agreement are Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan and the goal of this agreement is to promote digitalization in government and business, developing regional digital infrastructure, and fostering cooperation in cybersecurity. Another agreement is the „Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Strategic Partnership Agreement“ of 2024 which is aimed at deepening cooperation in trade, investment, and infrastructure development, as well as enhancing cultural and educational exchanges. It is also worth mentioning the agreement called the „Central Asian Green Initiative“ of 2024 signed by Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. In this case, the aim is to joint development of renewable energy projects, sharing technology and expertise, and working towards regional energy sustainability.

Kyrgyzstan: Forging Strategic Partnerships for a Brighter Future:

Kyrgyzstan is no longer a country that uses its influence only in the regional sphere. The country’s leaders are aware of their country’s importance among the „world leaders“ and are trying to spread its influence throughout the world, which has borne „the desired fruit“. In fact, over the last few years Kyrgyzstan has intensified its cooperation with world powers such as China, the Russian Federation, the United States, and the European Union.

The first example is increased cooperation with China. It is known that Kyrgyzstan has deepened its economic and political relations with China. One of the Chinese projects in which Kyrgyzstan participates is the so-called „Belt and Road Initiative“ (BRI), which is considered a kind of new version of the „Silk Road“. Kyrgyzstan is a very active participant in this project. Investments in infrastructure, including roads and energy projects, have been pivotal in enhancing connectivity and economic integration with China. This involvement of Kyrgyzstan in this project not only improves relations with China but also raises the profile of Kyrgyzstan in the world, which is excellent for the next years. It is also worth mentioning two projects between China and Kyrgyzstan from 2024. The first one is the „Kyrgyzstan-China Cultural Exchange Program“. This program is launching cultural Exchange initiatives, including student Exchange programs, joint cultural festivals, and language learning centers, to strengthen „people-to-people ties“. The second project is the „Digital Silk Road Project“ which is a Kyrgyzstan-China ICT partnership.

Another country with which Kyrgyzstan is strengthening its partnership due to its influence is the Russian Federation. Despite Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, Kyrgyzstan is trying to assert its influence here with a view to mutual cooperation between these countries. One of the examples is „high-level visits“ which is diplomatic engagements between Kyrgyz and Russian leaders have strengthened political ties and cooperation on various issues, including security, trade, and regional stability. In 2024 Kyrgyzstan also promotes tourism in Russia more than in previous years. Efforts to promote Kyrgyzstan as a tourist destination have resulted in increasing Russian tourist arrivals, boosting the tourism sector in Kyrgyzstan, and enhancing people-to-people connections. Between 2022-2024 Kyrgyzstan also expanded its media presence in Russia through joint media projects, news exchanges, and broadcasting agreements. This collaboration helps to project Kyrgyzstan’s perspectives and stories to a wider Russian audience. An important factor is also „labor migration“. A significant number of Kyrgyz nationals work in Russia, contributing to the Russian economy and sending remittances back home, which are vital for Kyrgyzstan’s economy. Kyrgyzstan leaders also strengthened its trade relations with Russia, increasing exports of agricultural products, textiles, and other goods. Joint ventures and trade agreements have enhanced economic ties, making Kyrgyz products more visible in the Russian market.

Despite the fact that the United States of America is located on the other side of the world, Kyrgyzstan uses its influence in various ways. The United States are very important to Kyrgyzstan in many ways, but the most important of which is economic site. For example, Kyrgyzstan uses its influence through think tanks. Participation in discussions and conferences hosted by American think tanks and policy institutions has allowed Kyrgyzstan to share its perspectives on regional and global issues, influencing policy debates in the United States of America. But a very important area is the economic sector. Specifically, investment opportunities. Kyrgyzstan has promoted itself as an investment destination for American businesses, focusing on sectors such as tourism, mining, and renewable energy. Another example of how Kyrgyzstan is becoming known in the United States is cultural festivals and events. Kyrgyz cultural festivals, art exhibitions, and musical performances have been organized in various US cities, showcasing Kyrgyzstan’s rich heritage and fostering cultural understanding. This is also linked to so-called „culinary diplomacy“ when Kyrgyz restaurants and culinary events in the USA have introduced Americans to traditional Kyrgyz cuisine, enhancing cultural ties through food. In addition, Kyrgyzstan is also developing its influence in the US through, for example, high-level visits and diplomacy, trade agreements, counterterrorism and security collaboration or media outreach.

As far as Kyrgyzstan and the European Union countries are concerned, Kyrgyzstan also uses its influence in many ways. One of the ways is the so-called „Green Energy Project“ when collaborations on renewable energy projects and sustainable development initiatives with the European partners have positioned Kyrgyzstan as a proactive player in environmental stewardship. Furthermore, we can also mention „Climate Change Cooperation“ when joint efforts with EU countries on climate change mitigation and adaptation projects have enhanced Kyrgyzstan’s role in global environmental efforts. So, Kyrgyzstan is a country that is trying to make its influence known in as many countries as possible to raise awareness of itself and to reap the bonuses that come from it.

Kyrgyzstan’s Diplomatic Power: Steering the Course in Global Organizations:

Even in regional and global organizations Kyrgyzstan is not left behind and uses its position and influence there. The United Nations is the world’s largest organization and Kyrgyzstan has a role to play here too, and it tries to make itself as widely known as possible. Kyrgyzstan is an active member of the United Nations, participating in peacekeeping missions and contributing to global discussions on climate change, human rights, and sustainable development. Examples of projects Kyrgyzstan is involved in within the United Nations are „Promoting Human Rights and Social Inclusion“ in cooperation with UN Women, OHCHR, and other UN agencies, as well as the project „Conflict Prevention and Regional Stability“ in coordination with UNDP, UNODC, and other peace and security organizations, or the project „Empowering Women and Girls“ where Kyrgyzstan working with UN Women and UNFPA. The status of women in Kyrgyz society is a long-term problem that the Kyrgyz government has been trying to address effectively in recent years, which is also facilitated by cooperation with the United Nations.

Another organization is the „Shanghai Cooperation Organization“ (SCO) of which Kyrgyzstan is also a member, although it may not seem important at first glance. Kyrgyzstan’s involvement in the SCO has bolstered its security and economic ties with major powers like China and Russia, while also engaging with South Asian countries like India and Pakistan. Kyrgyzstan participates in many projects within this organization, one of them being the „CASA-1000 Power Project“. This project is aimed at creating a regional electricity transmission network to export surplus hydropower from Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to Afghanistan and Pakistan, enhancing energy security and economic development in the region. Another project within the SCO is the so-called „Bishkek Clean Air Initiative“. This project involves collaboration with international organizations to implement measures aimed at reducing air pollution in the capital city. Pollution in the capital city of Kyrgyzstan is one of the highest in the Asian region, so this project is an essential part of it. The project includes modernizing public transportation, promoting the use of clean energy, and enhancing urban green spaces.

„The Eurasian Economic Union“ (EAEU) is this time also a regional organization in which Kyrgyzstan has a position and is trying to become more widely known on a global scale thanks to its contribution. One of the projects within this organization in which Kyrgyzstan is actively involved is the so-called „EAEU Common Market Development“ where the aim is to enhance economic integration by reducing trade barriers, harmonizing regulations, and facilitating the movement of goods, services, and capital among member states. It is the free movement of these „commodities“ within the region that is one of the problems to be solved. Constant border controls reduce efficiency, which this project is trying to address as efficiently as possible, and Kyrgyzstan is one of the leading countries pushing for this.

The previous project is also followed by a project under the „Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation Program“ (CAREC). This project is called „Transport Corridor Development“ and it aims to improve regional connectivity through the development of transportation infrastructure, including roads, railways, and border-crossing facilities. There is a shortage of railways in Kyrgyzstan, so it is actively working to improve the situation in this respect and the voice of its representatives is stronger than others in this regard.

Another organization in which Kyrgyzstan plays a role and tries to promote its interests is the „Collective Security Treaty Organization“ (CSTO). Within this organization, Kyrgyzstan is involved in many projects and exercises, one of which is the „CSTO Rapid Reaction Force“. In this project Kyrgyzstan is trying to achieve common goals with other members. Contributing to the CSTO’s collective security arrangements, including joint training exercises and readiness to respond to regional security threats. Here Kyrgyzstan is trying to show others that they are strong militarily and that they should be counted on in this respect as well, and through this, they are gaining more influence in their region of Central Asia.

Shaping the Future: Kyrgyzstan’s Expanding International Role

As has already been written, Kyrgyzstan is no longer a country that plays „second fiddle“. It is a state that is trying to make its influence known not only at the regional level but also at the international level. In the short term and the long term, Kyrgyzstan has a great chance, thanks to its ambitions, to become one of the leaders in the Central Asian region, which will determine the direction of the region’s politics. In the case of the international aspect and organizations such as the UN, the European Union, and their affiliates, thanks to participation in various projects, meetings of high-ranking officials, and other important steps, Kyrgyzstan is being heard more and more. As a result, Kyrgyzstan has become more widely known on the international scene, which brings various benefits to Kyrgyzstan, such as financial subsidies from the European Union and Exchange visits between students from the European Union countries and Kyrgyzstan. In this respect, the prospects for the future are also promising, and Kyrgyzstan can count on further deepening cooperation with these organizations, especially with the European Union. The bottom line is that Kyrgyzstan, thanks to its growing influence, may over time become a country that will be a very powerful actor in the international system.

 

Sources

Achylova, Rakhat (2016). Political Culture and Foreign Policy in Kyrgyzstan. (https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.4324/9781315287096-15/political-culture-foreign-policy-kyrgyzstan-rakhat-achylova, accessed June 21, 2024).

BTI Transformation Index (2024). Kyrgyzstan Country Report 2024. (https://bti-project.org/en/reports/country-report/KGZ, accessed June 22, 2024).

Coface (2024). Kyrgyz Republic (Kyrgyzstan). (https://www.coface.com/news-economy-and-insights/business-risk-dashboard/country-risk-files/kyrgyz-republic-kyrgyzstan, accessed June 21, 2024).

Delegation of the European Union to the Kyrgyz Republic (2021). The European Union and the Kyrgyz Republic. July 27, 2021 (https://www.eeas.europa.eu/kyrgyz-republic/european-union-and-kyrgyz-republic_en?s=301, accessed June 20, 2024).

Dzhuraev, Shairbek (2022). Kyrgyzstan and the Changing Geopolitics of Central Asia and the Caucasus. August 30, 2022 (https://www.cacianalyst.org/resources/pdf/220830-FT-Kyrgyzstan.pdf, accessed June 23, 2024).

Ibraimova, Elima–Baitur, Toktosunov (2021). The Influence of Kyrgyzstan’s Media Strategies on Preventing the Spread of the Ideology of Violent Extremism. (https://www.international-alert.org/app/uploads/2021/08/Kyrgyzstan-Constructive-Dialogues-Policy-Briefs-Vol2-EN-2019-1.pdf, accessed June 21, 2024).

Imanaliyeva, Ayzirek (2024). Kyrgyzstan: Parliament adopts contentious foreign agents law without debate. March 14, 2024 (https://eurasianet.org/kyrgyzstan-parliament-adopts-contentious-foreign-agents-law-without-debate, accessed July 1, 2024).

Insight Turkey (2022). Small State Foreign Policy in Central Asia: The Cases of Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan. December 19, 2022 (https://www.insightturkey.com/articles/small-state-foreign-policy-in-central-asia-the-cases-of-kyrgyzstan-tajikistan-and-turkmenistan, accessed June 23, 2024).

Milkovic, Nikola (2023). The Russian-Western Battle for Influence in Kyrgyzstan. September 25, 2023 (https://www.diplomaticourier.com/posts/the-russian-western-battle-for-influence-in-kyrgyzstan, accessed June 18, 2024).

Ortmann, Stefanie (2018). Beyond Spheres of Influence: The Myth of the State and Russia’s Seductive Power in Kyrgyzstan. June 21, 2018 (https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14650045.2018.1451843?scroll=top&needAccess=true, accessed June 22, 2024).

Sharshenova, Aijan (2023). Seen from Bishkek: The Impact of Russian Migration to Kyrgyzstan. November 6, 2023 (https://www.ispionline.it/en/publication/seen-from-bishkek-the-impact-of-russian-migration-to-kyrgyzstan-151271, accessed June 24, 2024).

The Diplomat (2024). Kyrgyzstan’s Shifting Politics: Foreign Agents, Civil Society, and Russian Influence. March 14, 2024 (https://thediplomat.com/2024/03/kyrgyzstans-shifting-politics-foreign-agents-civil-society-and-russian-influence/, accessed June 15, 2024).

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic (2020). About Kyrgyzstan. January 27, 2020 (https://mfa.gov.kg/en/Menu—Foreign-/about-country/about-Kyrgyzstan, accessed June 19, 2024).

S. Department of State (2024). Kyrgyzstan. (https://www.state.gov/countries-areas/kyrgyzstan/, accessed June 20, 2024).

Voice of America (2024). Russian influence in Kyrgyzstan rising despite local consternation. May 5, 2024 (https://www.voanews.com/a/russian-influence-in-kyrgyzstan-rising-despite-local-consternation/7598553.html, accessed June 20, 2024).

Wallace, Vladyslav–Rodríguez, Martín Alejandro (2024). Kyrgyzstan in Crisis: A Geopolitical Juncture. April 29, 2024 (https://www.belfercenter.org/publication/kyrgyzstan-crisis-geopolitical-juncture, accessed June 18, 2024).

Source of the picture: https://www.dailysabah.com/op-ed/2019/09/05/where-does-kyrgyzstan-go-now

 

Written by Matěj Bíma

 

209