Central Asia is at the forefront of Chinas effortsto assert itself as a major world power. Since1991, Beijing has emerged as the regions maininvestor, creditor and trade partner, as well as anincreasingly important security provider. But itsgrowing influence has met opposition: in recentyears, anti-China protests have erupted acrossCentral Asia, threatening Beijings shaky regionalhegemony.Bradley Jardine and Edward Lemon examine howCentral Asians are pushing back against Chinasglobal ambitions, and trace Beijings attemptsto manage its image and secure its interests inresponse. Drawing on over a decade of fieldwork,Backlashreveals the uncertainties of Chinas rise.Far from being the omnipotent strategist oftendepicted in international media, Beijing is makingsignificant missteps, alienating local people andbecoming entangled in costly interventions toprotect its citizens and investments. Russias fullscaleinvasion of Ukraine in 2022 underminedMoscows regional position, creating opportunitiesfor China to expand its role. But to do so, itmust contend with the agency of Central Asiansthemselves: their interests, policies and priorities.This incisive book exposes the unravelling ofChinas alternative to the American-led globalorder, highlighting both elite and grassroots actorsforcing Beijing to adapt its approach.
