Christopher B. Primiano

Dr. Christopher B. Primiano is an Assistant Professor in the Department of History and Political Science at Huntingdon College, where he joined the faculty in 2023. He previously taught at St. Olaf College, Hunter College, Montclair State University, Rutgers University, and served as Assistant Professor and Director at KIMEP University in Kazakhstan. His academic expertise lies at the intersection of international relations, Chinese foreign policy, and Central Asian politics.

• PhD, Division of Global Affairs, Rutgers University
• MS, Division of Global Affairs, Rutgers University
• MA, Department of History, Rutgers University
• BA, Department of History, Rutgers University

Dr. Primiano's research focuses on China’s engagement with international institutions, particularly the United Nations, human rights diplomacy, the Belt and Road Initiative, and democratization in post-Soviet and Southeast Asian states. He employs both qualitative and survey-based methods to analyze elite and public perceptions of China’s growing global influence. His work frequently examines how authoritarian regimes navigate multilateral systems and shape regional dynamics.

His publications span top journals in political science and Asian studies, with a clear thematic emphasis on China’s strategic use of institutions, narratives, and economic tools to expand its global footprint. Recent works analyze perceptions of China in Kazakhstan and Bishkek, Cambodia’s alignment with Beijing, and emotional appeals in Chinese foreign policy—revealing a consistent interest in soft power, legitimacy, and norm contestation.

Notable scientific awards include multiple travel grants from the International Studies Association and the American Association for Chinese Studies, a Graduate School Dissertation Fellowship from Rutgers University, and an all-expense-paid scholarship to National Chengchi University in Taiwan.

• Travel Grant, International Studies Association (2020, 2020)
• Graduate School Dissertation Fellowship, Rutgers University (2015-2016)
• American Association for Chinese Studies Junior Scholar Travel Fund (2015)
• All-Expense Paid Scholarship, National Chengchi University, Taiwan (2013)

Dr. Primiano has served as a research collaborator and advisor on numerous projects, particularly those involving cross-national surveys in Central Asia. He has secured funding through competitive fellowships and grants to support his fieldwork and publication efforts. His ongoing research agenda includes studies on Kazakh identity, educational perceptions, and the political aftermath of the 2022 Almaty crisis, suggesting a long-term commitment to understanding subaltern politics in authoritarian contexts.

He has been affiliated with research centers such as the China and Central Asia Studies Center at KIMEP University, where he served as director, indicating leadership in regional scholarly networks. His collaborative work with scholars in Kazakhstan, Cambodia, and the U.S. reflects a transnational academic presence and active engagement in global political discourse.