This research project will offer the first comparative study of China’, Russia’ and the EU’ soft power in Central Asia In particular, it will examine the two-fold question (i) how effective is the soft power of China, Russia and the EU in Central Asia, and (ii) how does the soft power competition in Central Asia between China, Russia and the EU play out at the receiving end These questions will be examined based on a comprehensive conceptual and theoretical framework that draws on the novel IR theory of strategic narratives As such, the framework is well-equipped to capture the multi-dimensional nature of soft power as well as the dynamics of soft power competition in today's multipolar world order Methodologically, these questions will be explored based on a multi-method approach combining surveys with document analysis, focus groups and elite interviews