Regional Integration in Central Asia: Analyzing Perceptions of Central Asian students studying in Kazakhstan

Abstract

Regionalization-the act of strengthening the inter-state with social ties-attracted important attention in global governance studies of the political, economic, and cultural ties of specific geographic areas. The customary focus of Central Asian integration efforts has been elite-level agreements and state-led initiatives. China and Russia are external powers influencing these initiatives. However, limited attention has been paid to how individuals, particularly youth engaged in academic mobility, experience and interpret regional integration from the ground up. This study addresses this gap by examining the perceptions of international students from Central Asian countries currently studying in Kazakhstan. Those students from Central Asian countries are studying within Kazakhstan. Exploring youth perceptions about regional cooperation, identity, and participation across cross-border education, the research is based on qualitative data from semi-structured interviews with 20 students from Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan. Educational exchanges along with shared cultural frameworks seem to encourage a stronger feeling of regional belonging political narratives spread locally strengthened. This study contributes to the political science and international relations literature by introducing a youth-centered approach to regionalism with constructivist lens. It offers practical recommendations for policymakers and educators seeking to strengthen academic partnerships and foster more socially grounded strategies for Central Asian integration.