Battle of the Asian giants: India and China at a crossroads in global political relations with Central Asia

Abstract

The period from 2012 to 2023 has seen the emergence of China and the steady growth of India in the global economic and political landscapes. Central Asia has become an economic battleground for their rivalry as their competition for power intensifies. Leveraging on Robert Gilpin’s theory of realist political economy (1987), this research explores the connection between strategic interests and economic policies, providing insights into China and India’s economic competition in Central Asia. A qualitative survey of Gilpin’s realist political economy theory provides an analytical framework to understand how China and India are exerting their power in Central Asia by controlling the market through trade and commerce. Quantitative data collection and document review methods are used to measure the extent of success of the two countries’ foreign policies in the region. While critical economic interests are met through foreign policies, a realist political-economic analysis considers their economic activities as a means to achieve power and influence. China has been active in Central Asia since the early 1990s, while India is a relatively new player in the region, attempting to disrupt China’s influence. This research provides an analysis on the trajectory of the Asian Century, where China and India are competing for influence in Central Asia.

Date of Thesis submission	2025
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Western Sydney University
Supervisor	Asha Chand (Supervisor) & Brett Bowden (Supervisor)