TY - JOUR T1 - Spheres of influence in Central Asia: a comparative study of China’s Belt and Road Initiative and Russia’s Eurasian Economic Union TT - Orta Asya’da etki alanları: Çin’in Kuşak ve Yol Girişimi ve Rusya’nın Avrasya Ekonomik Birliği’nin karşılaştırmalı analizi AU - Giritlioglu, Sharifa PY - 2025 DA - June Y2 - 2025 DO - 10.48146/odusobiad.1613978 JF - Ordu Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Enstitüsü Sosyal Bilimler Araştırmaları Dergisi JO - ODÜSOBİAD PB - Ordu University WT - DergiPark SN - 1309-9302 SP - 1290 EP - 1313 VL - 15 IS - 2 LA - en AB - The concept of spheres of influence, originally established in the 19th century to prevent conflicts among great powers and maintain geopolitical stability, has evolved significantly in the modern era. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Russia and China have emerged as the primary competitors for influence in Central Asia, each striving to secure strategic interests, foster economic integration, and address regional security challenges. Historically, Russia has regarded Central Asia as its exclusive sphere of influence. However, China’s rapid economic growth and expanding political ambitions have increasingly challenged Moscow’s traditional dominance in the region. This research aims to analyze the interplay between Sino-Russian influence in Central Asia through the dual lenses of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and Russia’s Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). Drawing from historical contexts and focusing on current dynamics, the study presents a comparative analysis of their respective strategies for economic integration and geopolitical influence. By comparing these initiatives, this study provides a nuanced understanding of the distinct approaches China and Russia adopt to exert power in Central Asia. The findings offer critical insights for Central Asian nations as they navigate the overlapping ambitions of these two powers, highlighting strategies to optimize benefits while safeguarding their sovereignty and independence. KW - Sphere of Influence KW - Central Asia KW - China KW - Russia KW - BRI KW - EAEU N2 - Büyük güçler arasındaki çatışmaları önlemek ve jeopolitik istikrarı korumak için 19. yüzyılda kurulan etki alanları kavramı, modern çağda önemli ölçüde evrim geçirmiştir. Sovyetler Birliği’nin dağılmasının ardından Rusya ve Çin, Orta Asya’da nüfuz sahibi olmak için birincil rakipler olarak ortaya çıkmıştır ve her biri stratejik çıkarları güvence altına almak, ekonomik entegrasyonu teşvik etmek ve bölgesel güvenlik tehditlerini önlemek için çaba göstermişlerdir. Tarihsel olarak, Rusya Orta Asya’yı kendi münhasır etki alanı olarak görmüştür. Ancak Çin’in hızlı ekonomik büyümesi ve genişleyen siyasi hırsları, Moskova’nın bölgedeki geleneksel hakimiyetine giderek daha fazla meydan okumaktadır. Bu araştırma, Çin’in Kuşak ve Yol Girişimi (BRI) ve Rusya’nın Avrasya Ekonomik Birliği’nin (EAEU) ikili mercekleri aracılığıyla Orta Asya’daki Çin-Rus etkisi arasındaki etkileşimi analiz etmeyi amaçlamaktadır. Tarihsel bağlamlardan yararlanarak ve güncel dinamiklere odaklanarak, çalışma ekonomik entegrasyon ve jeopolitik etki için ilgili stratejilerinin karşılaştırmalı bir analizini sunmaktadır. Bu çalışma, BRI ve EAEU girişimlerini karşılaştırarak, Çin ve Rusya’nın Orta Asya’da güç uygulamak için benimsediği farklı yaklaşımlara ilişkin ayrıntılı bir anlayış sunmaktadır. 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