MIGRATION AS A TOOL OF PUBLIC DIPLOMACY IN CENTRAL ASIA: CHALLENGES, STRATEGIES, AND PROSPECTS

Аннотация

This article examines the growing role of migration as a tool of public diplomacy in the Central Asian context. As millions of Central Asian citizens live and work abroad, they become informal ambassadors of their home countries, contributing to international perception, cultural exchange, and bilateral cooperation. The paper analyzes how labor migration, diaspora engagement, and transnational networks are increasingly intertwined with states’ soft power strategies. Drawing on the experiences of Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, the study highlights both the opportunities and risks associated with diaspora-driven public diplomacy. It argues that to harness migration as a strategic diplomatic instrument, Central Asian governments must adopt coordinated policies that link migration governance with public diplomacy objectives. The article concludes with policy recommendations for building sustainable, people-centered international engagement.