Soft power tools in Central Asia: towards a closer relationship with France

Currently, France and the Central Asian countries are not limited to cooperation solely in the field of trading fossil fuels. For the further development of relations between their peoples, it is also necessary to give special attention to close cooperation in the fields of culture and education. This article analyses the primary sources of France's soft power in the Central Asian Republics while providing data on its position in the world rankings of states with the greatest soft influence. The authors present tables containing statistical data illustrating the extent of French language education and the promotion of culture and education in Central Asia, which are key elements of French soft power in the region. The study also identifies the most efficient and economical approaches for implementing soft power, especially under difficult epidemiological circumstances presented by COVID-19, via cultural and educational programmes. Therefore, in the present circumstances, these areas of collaboration should be deemed as means of preserving France's advantageous connection with the region. Correspondingly, the study highlights the factors that positively impact France's interest in the countries, alongside noteworthy cultural and educational collaborative undertakings in the current period.