Genetic admixture and the philosophy of diplomacy in central Asia: Evidence from intercultural dialogue, governance and genomic data

Abstract

Abstract

Central Asia has historically functioned as a major zone of interaction shaped by migration, trade, imperial expansion, and cultural exchange. While population genetic studies have demonstrated extensive admixture in the region, the interpretation of such biological patterns in relation to intercultural communication and governance remains conceptually underdeveloped and often overextended. This study aims to critically examine the relationship between genetic admixture and intercultural contact in Central Asia and to evaluate the extent to which the existing literature supports claims linking biological diversity to intercultural dialogue, tolerance, or diplomatic practices. A critical scoping review and thematic synthesis were conducted using literature from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and JSTOR (2000–2025). Studies were included if they addressed population genetics, historical interaction, or intercultural processes in Central Asia. Data were extracted and coded thematically, focusing on migration, trade, governance, intermarriage, and cultural exchange. Due to methodological heterogeneity, no quantitative meta-analysis was performed. The reviewed literature consistently demonstrates extensive genetic admixture across Central Asian populations, reflecting long-term population contact. However, this admixture is associated with multiple historical processes, including trade, migration, conquest, and forced population movements. Historical sources indicate multilingual governance and intercultural interaction, but these practices were often shaped by pragmatic, political, and hierarchical considerations rather than by uniform tolerance or harmony. Genetic admixture in Central Asia provides evidence of sustained population interaction but cannot be interpreted as a direct indicator of intercultural tolerance or diplomatic openness. This study highlights the importance of integrating genetic evidence with intercultural communication theory while avoiding biological determinism. The concept of “genomic diplomacy” is therefore reframed as an exploratory metaphor rather than a causal framework, and thus requires further theoretical and empirical development.