Publication

This paper examines the influence Russia and China have on post-communist countries in Central Asia through regional organizations and bilateral ties in terms of the promotion of autocratic regimes. The authors suggest that both Russia and China have an impact on institutional development in these countries and that this is generally through their bilateral policies. They also say that, unlike Russia, China's strategy in dealing with these countries may be having a positive effect in terms of improving governance and undermining autocratic structures. They then go on to argue that the EU could adopt some elements of China's strategy to improve its neighborhood policy.