Mechanisms of Interaction between Think Tanks of the PRC and Central Asia in the Context of the Historical Dynamics of Bilateral Relations

The article offers a historical and analytical study of the mechanisms of interaction between the think tanks of the People’s Republic of China and the countries of Central Asia within the broader evolution of bilateral relations from the mid 20th century to the present. Drawing on the principles of historical institutionalism, the research traces the key stages in the formation of expert cooperation from the limited academic contacts of the Soviet period to the institutionalization of mechanisms within the Belt and Road Initiative and multilateral structures such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. Special attention is given to the transformation of Chinese think tanks into instruments of soft power and public diplomacy, as well as to the responses and adaptive strategies of Central Asian partners, including the development of their own analytical institutions. The study examines the challenges accompanying bilateral interaction, including discursive dominance, resource asymmetry, and differences in institutional culture. The article concludes by emphasizing the need to transition toward a more balanced model of expert dialogue based on the principles of equality, coordination, and strategic trust.