Uzbekistan International Relations: A Comprehensive Overview

Uzbekistan, a landlocked country in Central Asia, has a rich history and a complex geopolitical landscape. Its foreign policy has been shaped by a variety of factors, including its Soviet legacy, ethnic diversity, and strategic location. In recent years, Uzbekistan has emerged as a key player in regional and international affairs.

Uzbekistan’s International Relations (Central Asian Studies Book 37)

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Historical Evolution

Uzbekistan's foreign policy has evolved significantly since its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. Initially, the country pursued a policy of neutrality and non-alignment. However, this policy was gradually abandoned in favor of a more active and engaged foreign policy.

In the early 2000s, Uzbekistan aligned itself with the United States and other Western powers in the fight against terrorism. However, this relationship deteriorated after the Andijan Massacre of 2005, in which Uzbek security forces killed hundreds of protesters.

In recent years, Uzbekistan has pursued a more balanced foreign policy, seeking to improve relations with both Russia and the United States. The country has also joined a number of regional organizations, including the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU).

Key Partnerships

Uzbekistan has a number of key partnerships, including:

• Russia: Russia is Uzbekistan's largest trading partner and a major source of investment. The two countries have close military and security ties.
• China: China is Uzbekistan's second-largest trading partner and a major investor in the country's energy and infrastructure sectors.
• United States: The United States is a major donor to Uzbekistan and provides assistance in the areas of security, economic development, and human rights.
• European Union: The European Union is a major trading partner and a source of investment for Uzbekistan. The two sides have a dialogue on human rights and democracy.
• Central Asian countries: Uzbekistan has close ties to its Central Asian neighbors, including Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkmenistan. The countries cooperate on a variety of issues, including trade, energy, and security.

Regional Dynamics

Uzbekistan is located in a complex and volatile region. The country has been affected by a number of regional conflicts, including the Afghan War and the Tajikistani Civil War. Uzbekistan is also concerned about the rise of radical Islam in the region.

In recent years, Uzbekistan has played a key role in promoting regional cooperation and stability. The country has hosted a number of regional summits and has worked to improve economic and security ties between the Central Asian countries.

Uzbekistan's foreign policy is a complex and evolving phenomenon. The country has a rich history and a strategic location that have shaped its foreign policy choices. In recent years, Uzbekistan has emerged as a key player in regional and international affairs. The country's foreign policy will continue to be shaped by a variety of factors, including its geopolitics, economic interests, and security concerns.

References

1. Carlisle, Duncan. "Uzbekistan: A Modern History." Reaktion Books, 2010.
2. Luong, Pauline Jones. "Institutional Change and Political Continuity in Post-Soviet Central Asia: The Cases of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan." Cambridge University Press, 2009.
3. Oliker, Olga. "Uzbekistan: A Country Study." Library of Congress, 1992.