The impact of the “Belt and Road Initiative” on the education system in Central Asia

The analysis of the impact of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) on the education systems of Central Asian countries is presented. Special attention is given to assessing the changes in the educational systems of regions, caused by the Chinese educational initiatives, such as scholarship programs, educational exchanges, and the establishment of Confucius Institutes. The results of the study indicate that despite the significant advantages, the educational initiatives of BRI also create certain risks, requiring the careful consideration by policymakers and educational institutions. The conclusions of the study can be used to develop a balanced strategy for the engagement with the Chinese educational programs.