Decaying beauty? : image(s) of the European Union in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan
Abstract
This thesis comparatively examines perceived images of the European Union (EU) in two
countries of Central Asia (CA): Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. The study departs from the
point that the literature on Central Asian geopolitics, as well as on EU-CA relations in
particular has paid little attention to the role that the Central Asians play in international
interactions in the region. Taking a constructivist approach as an umbrella framework, the
thesis argues that how Central Asians perceive the EU is an integral part of its identity and
its roles in the region, as well as of the outcome of its policy. Therefore, examining the
Central Asian perspective to the EU and EU-CA relations should be an equally important
aspect of scholarly attention. Having justified the importance of studying perceived images,
the thesis goes on to draw from Image Studies to conceptualize the notion of ‘image’. It
claims that the image is a complex phenomenon consisting of various internal components,
but the core of image in International Relations is constituted by two components: (1)
perceptions of the Other’s power/capability and (2) perceptions of whether the Other poses
a threat or represents an opportunity. The empirical analysis of the thesis develops around
these two aspects. The objective of the thesis, however, is not just to reveal what the
perceptions are, but also to answer how these perceptions come into being by identifying
the factors influencing perceptions. Finally, as images are relative notions and become fully
meaningful only through comparison, this thesis also analyzes self-images of the EU and
reflects on to what extent the EU’s perceived images contrast to its self-images. The thesis
concludes by arguing that in many respects, the EU is perceived positively in Kazakhstan
and Kyrgyzstan. However, this positivity is being slowly diminished as a result of an
increasing image of ‘Decaying Europe’.
Type
Thesis, PhD Doctor of Philosophy
Rights
Embargo Date: 2024-03-21
Thesis restricted in accordance with University regulations. Print copy restricted until 21st March 2022. Electronic copy restricted until 21st March 2024
Thesis restricted in accordance with University regulations. Print copy restricted until 21st March 2022. Electronic copy restricted until 21st March 2024
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