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Zamira Muratalieva

Ph.D., Associate Professor

International and Comparative Politics Department

Division of Social Sciences

 

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Dr. Zamira (Nargiza) Muratalieva is an Associate Professor in the International and Comparative Politics Department at the American University of Central Asia. With over 15 years of experience in analyzing Central Asian geopolitics and regional dynamics, she maintains an active research focus on China-Central Asia relations and the development of regional cooperation frameworks, bridging the gap between theoretical analysis and practical application. Her professional background includes extensive experience within international non-governmental organizations, where she has contributed to regional research and analytical capacity-building. 

Dr. Muratalieva authored numerous strategic papers, including those accepted for implementation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan. Beyond her academic work, she frequently provides expert commentary on regional affairs for both Central Asian and international media outlets, including the BBC and The Diplomat. Her editorial leadership in regional analytical platforms such as CABAR.asia and the Central Asian Analytical Network (CAAN) underscores her commitment to regional expertise.

Researcher Identifiers

Professional Affiliations and Online Presence

  • Research Fellow, China Research Center, the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, USA, 10.2025-present. 
  • Expert at the Center for International Relations Analysis (CIRA) under Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic (MFA) named after the Kazy Dikambaev, 01.2026-present.

LinkedIn Profile

  • Nimetz Award Winner (2026): Recognized for excellence in academic publication (the article “Unpacking Regionalism in Central Asia: Internal and External C5+1 Formats”), AUCA, 2026. 
  • Visiting Scholar (2025–2026): US-CARNet Exchange Program at the University of Kansas, funded by the U.S. State Department.
  • Central Asian Geopolitics: Regional cooperation, security dynamics, and the role of international organizations (SCO, C5+).
  • China-Central Asia Relations: Strategic investments, the Belt and Road Initiative, and China’s influence in the region.
  • Foreign Policy & Development: Policy analysis, urban development, climate resilience, and the implementation of strategic policy frameworks in Kyrgyzstan.

Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles

  1. Muratalieva, Z. (2026). Unpacking Regionalism in Central Asia: Internal and External C5+1 Formats. Central Asian Affairs, 13(1), 64-91. https://doi.org/10.30965/22142290-bja10080 
  2. Muratalieva, Z. (2024). "Rethinking China-Kyrgyzstan Relations: Addressing Challenges and Imbalances." Routledge Handbook of Chinese and Eurasian International Relations. Routledge, P. 103-119.
  3. Muratalieva, Z. T., Esenbekova, A. T., & Tatkalo, N. S. (2022). China in the Shadow of Russia: Covert Tools for Expanding China’s Influence over Kyrgyzstan’s Security. India Quarterly, 78(1), 88–103. https://doi.org/10.1177/09749284211068166 
  4. Izimov R., Muratalieva Z., (2019). Role of SCO in the Eurasian Continent// India Quarterly, A Journal of International Relations, Vol.75, Number I, P.43-56 // 

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0974928418821   

  1. Izimov R., Muratalieva Z. (2018) The Central Asian Track of the One Belt One Road Initiative: Opportunities and Risks. International Organisations Research Journal, vol. 13, no 3, pp. 128–142 (in English). DOI: 10.17323/1996-7845-2018-03-08. (https://iorj.hse.ru/data/2018/11/26/1141386191/R.%20Izimov,%20Z.%20Muratalieva.pdf) 
  2. Muratalieva, N. (2013). Russia China Interplay in Central Asia and the SCO. USI Journal, 143(594), 54–59. https://usiofindia.org/pdf/USI-Journal-Oct-Dec-2013-54-59.pdf 

 

Edited Volume Chapters 

 

  1. Diener, A. & Muratalieva N. (2025) Prospective Axial Development in Kyrgyzstan: Border Crossings, Corridors, and connectivity with China. American Councils for International Education. In United States- Central Asia: Perspectives on China. An Edited Volume of Scholarly Essays (P.65-82). Almaty: Zialy baspasy. https://americancouncilsnetwork.org/uscarnet/index.php?action=view_publication 
  2. Muratalieva, N. (2025). Роль международных организаций и форматов в траектории идентификационных процессов Центральной Азии [The role of international organizations and formats in the trajectory of identity processes in Central Asia]. Representative Office of the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation in Central Asia. In Идентификация в странах Центральной Азии (pp. 40-52). Almaty.
  3. Chabal, P., Muratalieva, Z., & Dikanbayeva, A. (2022). À la recherche d’un continent perdu en Asie centrale: l’Union européenne et ses stratégies pour l’Asie centrale de 2007 et 2017. In Michel Bruno, Les défis actuels de l'Union européenne (pp. 307-319). Legitech.
  4. Muratalieva, N. (2022). Regional Cooperation in Central Asia and Role of Logistics. In Logistics and Connectivity in the Silk Road (pp. 212-222). Paris: SEFACIL Foundation. https://www.sefacil.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/BAT2-def-Logistics-HD.pdf
  5. Muratalieva, N. (2022). Crumbling Hegemonic Order in Central Asia. In Gaida’s Dance with Tiger and Dragon. / Edited by Chandra D. Bhatta and Jonathan Menge, pp. 219-233. Publisher: Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Nepal Office ISBN: 978-9937-1-1023 -5 https://www.researchgate.net/publication/359050738_Gaida's_Dance_with_Tiger_and_Dragon 



Publications in media outlets and policy briefs

 

  1. Muratalieva N. & Ohnesorge, W. (2026). Nature and Concrete: The Eco-Brutalist Resistance in Central Asia. The Diplomat. https://thediplomat.com/2026/06/nature-and-concrete-the-eco-brutalist-resistance-in-central-asia/
  2. Muratalieva N., & Diener A. (2025). Unpacking the Local Impact of China’s Mega-Projects on Kyrgyzstan’s Regions. The Diplomat. https://thediplomat.com/2025/12/unpacking-the-local-impact-of-chinas-mega-projects-on-kyrgyzstans-regions/
  3. Muratalieva N., & Khurramov. K. (2025). Chinese Roads in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan Bring Benefits to Beijing. The Jamestown Foundation. https://jamestown.org/chinese-roads-in-kyrgyzstan-and-tajikistan-bring-benefits-to-beijing/
  4. Muratalieva, N. (2024). China in Central Asia: Cooperation Dimensions and Implications. Regionalpolitische Analyse: Zentralasien. Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom. https://www.freiheit.org/sites/default/files/2024-12/regionalpolitische-analyse-za-final.pdf
  5. Muratalieva N. (2024). China’s Belt and Road Initiative in Central Asia: The Debt Trap or a Development Opportunity? Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. https://carnegieendowment.org/posts/2024/09/china-investment-central-asia-debt
  6. Muratalieva N. (2023). Kyrgyzstan’s Path to Peak Repayments to China: Context and Dilemmas. The Diplomat. https://thediplomat.com/2023/08/kyrgyzstans-path-to-peak-repayments-to-china-context-and-dilemmas/
  7. Muratalieva, N. (2023). Soft Power of China in Kyrgyzstan: Impediments and Limitations. OSCE Academy Policy Brief, #84. https://www.osce-academy.net/upload/file/Policy_brief_84.pdf 
  8. Muratalieva, N. & Ismailkhodjaev S. (2023). China’s Electric Vehicle Expansion in Central Asia. The Diplomat. https://thediplomat.com/2023/12/chinas-electric-vehicle-expansion-in-central-asia/ 
  9. Dzhuraev, E., & Muratalieva, N. (2020). The EU strategy on Central Asia: To the successful implementation of the new strategy. Bishkek: Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Representative Office in the Kyrgyz Republic. https://osce-academy.net/upload/file/16168.pdf 
  10. Muratalieva, N. (2018). Can Central Asia Revive its Workforce? Nepotism and ethnic bias are hampering innovation. Institute for War and Peace Reporting (IWPR). https://iwpr.net/impact/can-central-asia-revive-its-workforce

 

  • ICP 101.1 - Introduction to Political Science
  • ICP-405.1 - Politics of Kyrgyzstan