Internationalization in a post-Soviet state

The impact of global rankings on university messaging in Uzbekistan

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32674/grebx026

Keywords:

Internationalization, Westernization, Uzbekistan, Central Asia, Higher Education, Global Rankings, Critical Discourse Analysis

Abstract

The pursuit of global rankings is a hallmark expression of internationalization in higher education. Critical Internationalization (CI) exposes the power relations embedded in these processes, yet their discursive effects in post-Soviet and transitional systems remain insufficiently examined. This study analyzes how universities in Uzbekistan negotiate internationalization pressures by examining the representation of global ranking criteria in discourse. Drawing on Critical Discourse Analysis of university websites, it identifies differences between institutions included in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings and comparable universities seeking entry. Ranked institutions consistently present ranking-aligned indicators for international audiences, whereas unranked universities privilege locally oriented communication. The findings suggest that global rankings operate not only as evaluative mechanisms but also as normative discursive templates shaping institutional self-representation. The study extends CDA and CI scholarship by demonstrating how ranking regimes structure discourse, while highlighting risks of selective transparency and performative internationalization for policymakers and institutional leaders.

 

Author Biographies

  • Hannah Rothwell, Webster University

    HANNAH ROTHWELL is an English-speaking educator and doctoral student from the United States who has lived in regional Uzbekistan teaching at the university level for five years. She pursued her masters degree at Webster University in Tashkent (the Uzbek branch of a private American university) where she is currently employed as a graduate-level instructor. Her research interests include higher ed internationalization, transformative leadership, and philosophical personalism in education. hannahrothwell@webster.edu

  • Brittany Smotherson, University of Missouri

    BRITTANY SMOTHERSON, PhD, is an Adjunct Instructor in Educational Leadership & Policy Analysis at the University of Missouri. Dr. Smotherson’s research interests center on Black populations, internationalization of higher education, and critical research methodologies. In her leisure time, she is watching anything Marvel Comics related and spending time with family and friends, domestically and abroad. ORCID iD: 0009-0003-8257-3741. Corresponding Author: BSmothersonPhD@gmail.com

  • Irina Sofianova, Webster University

    IRINA SOFIANOVA is a Learning and Development (L&D) specialist, educator, and doctoral student at Webster University. Her research focuses on the intersection of global competence frameworks and workforce development, with particular interest in how Uzbek institutions adapt to evolving global standards while maintaining local relevance. irinasofianova@webster.edu

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Published

2026-04-05

Issue

Vol. 16 No. 9 (2026): Journal of International Students

Section

Ranking, Internationalization and Emerging Issues

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Copyright (c) 2026 Hannah Rothwell, Brittany Smotherson, Irina Sofianova

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How to Cite

Rothwell, H., Smotherson, B., & Sofianova, I. (2026). Internationalization in a post-Soviet state: The impact of global rankings on university messaging in Uzbekistan. Journal of International Students, 16(9), 161-182. https://doi.org/10.32674/grebx026