Abstract/Summary

In this article, we empirically examine how the Central Asian states apply external regime legitimation strategies to legitimize their regimes domestically. We used the Central Asia Watch Project’s data from five Central Asian state-run media outlets to examine spatial and temporal changes in applying regime legitimation strategies. The results show that all Central Asian countries employed external regime legitimation strategies but those strategies differ based on regime type. Overall, we see a continuity and persistence in reporting regional cooperation but underreporting of regional conflict throughout the 2016–2017 timeframe of this study.