Geopolitics on a Shoestring? Unpacking the EU's Geopolitical External Assistance to Central Asia
This new article explores how the European Union’s growing geopolitical ambitions are reflected in its external assistance policy, with a focus on Central Asia after 2021. While EU documents highlight ambitions of strengthening market power, prioritizing strategic sectors, and downplaying normative concerns, the research reveals a stark contradiction: financial resources have been cut back significantly.
The study shows a clear shift away from poverty reduction programs toward green and digital technologies, with the EU relying heavily on private sector investments and development banks to fill funding gaps. This reliance, however, brings its own risks and dilemmas.
The article sheds light on the EU’s struggle to position itself as a more geopolitical actor amid limited resources and competing priorities.
Authors:
- Balázs Szent-Iványi - Aston Centre for Europe, Aston University, Birmingham, UK; Department of World Economy, Corvinus University of Budapest, Hungary.
- Dora Piroska - Department of International Relations, Central European University, Vienna, Austria