How the war in Ukraine affects those who depend on Russia: the case of Central Asia

This presentation analyses how the war in Ukraine affects Central Asia, a region that is historically, politically and economically tied to Russia. It explains different political reactions to the conflict, which emerged in this region. Moreover, relying on her research in Tajikistan during the first weeks of the war in Ukraine, Kluczewska sketches a variety of social perceptions of this conflict, including: pro-Ukrainian and pro-Western stances; unconditional support for the Russian government’s actions; and a compassionate attitude towards Ukrainian refugees, combined with a belief that this war was inevitable.