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Heterodox economics may study rent from various angles. The first one is that of the source of income; the second is that of its macroeconomic impacts; the third is that of income distribution. This introduction highlights the contributions of the papers published in this issue from these three different angles. As far as it is concerned, Régulation Theory has developed a comprehensive reading of what it called the “rentier accumulation regime”, including it in the analysis of the variety of capitalism and allowing for a dialogue with development economics. In particular, it shows that institutional hierarchies co-evolve with the fluctuations of rent. The notion of rentier accumulation regime enables us to understand how some developing countries have resilient institutions despite structural weaknesses.

Three waves of external influence developed in Central Asia since 1992: western, Russian and more recently, Chinese. This article aims at determine whether the Russian and the Chinese economic influences can be considered from now on as competing. It begins by distinguishing between degrees of exogeneous economic influence in order to apply this framework to the region. It then differentiates the structure of accumulation regimes among these countries and the ways they can be influenced by exogeneous changes. Third, it provides an assessment of the channels by which Chinese and Russian influence can be felt in Central Asia. Finally, it documents the current transformations that are increasing the Chinese presence and raising the risk of structural external dependency for central Asian countries.