‍Central Asia and The Caucasus Journal

The Russian Language in Central Asia and the Caucasus: Language , Power and Regional Institues

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Ali Tolui 1
Peyman Golestan 2

1 umz

2 Umz

https://doi.org/10.22034/ca.2026.2054111.1866
Abstract
In recent years, the position of the Russian language in the political, economic, and cultural spheres of Central Asia and the South Caucasus has faced emerging challenges. This study aims to analyze the role of Russian as an instrument of regional influence, focusing on post-Soviet language policies of selected states. Using a documentary analysis method and drawing on academic literature, institutional reports, and official data, the research explores the relationship between language, power, and regional organizations such as the Eurasian Economic Union and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. The findings indicate that while some states (e.g., Georgia and Turkmenistan) have pursued policies of linguistic disengagement, others (e.g., Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Armenia) maintain Russian as a second official language. The novelty of this research lies in its integrative approach to analyzing the new linguistic competition with Turkish, Chinese, and English, while assessing Russian’s role in regional convergence through the lens of soft power.

Keywords

Russian language
Central Asia
Caucasus
language policy
economic interactions
Subjects
‍Central Asia and The Caucasus Journal
Volume 32, Issue 133
Spring 2026
Pages 79-104

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