1THE POLITICAL POSITION OF THE REPUBLIC OF UZBEKISTAN AMONG THE CIS COUNTRIES. ANALYSIS OF POLITICAL RELATIONS WITH INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
Izzatbek Dilshodjon ugli Habibjonov
Student of Alfraganus University xabibj onovizzatbek22 @ gmail .com
ABSTRACT
This research examines the political position of the Republic of Uzbekistan within the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and its evolving relations with international organizations from 2022 to 2024. The analysis highlights Uzbekistan's strategic pivot towards a more active role in regional cooperation, particularly under President Shavkat Mirziyoyev's administration, which has emphasized multilateralism and economic integration. Key developments include Uzbekistan's participation in the CIS Economic Council and its engagement with organizations such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), reflecting a commitment to regional stability and security. Furthermore, the study assesses Uzbekista n's diplomatic initiatives aimed at enhancing bilateral relations with major powers, including Russia and China, while also fostering ties with Western entities like the European Union. The findings indicate that Uzbekistan is increasingly positioning itself as a central player in Central Asian geopolitics, balancing its historical ties with Russia against a backdrop of growing global interest in the region.
Keywords: Uzbekistan, CIS countries, OBOR, socio-economic policy, international policy, education system.
Introduction
The Republic of Uzbekistan, a landlocked country in Central Asia, has emerged as a significant player within the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) in recent years. Following its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, Uzbekistan's political landscape has evolved considerably, particularly under President Shavkat Mirziyoyev since 2016. His administration has sought to enhance diplomatic relations with neighboring countries and international organizations, positioning Uzbekistan as a key regional actor. This research will analyze Uzbekistan's political relations within the CIS framework and its interactions with various international organizations from 2022 to 2024.
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In 2022, Uzbekistan continued to strengthen its ties with other CIS member states through various bilateral and multilateral initiatives. The country participated actively in regional summits and forums aimed at fostering economic cooperation and security collaboration among member states. Notably, Uzbekistan's foreign policy has emphasized pragmatic engagement, focusing on mutual benefits rather than ideological alignments. This approach has allowed Uzbekistan to navigate complex geopolitical dynamics while maintaining its sovereignty and national interests.
As of 2023, Uzbekistan's political relations with international organizations have also gained prominence. The country has engaged with institutions such as the United Nations (UN), the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). These engagements reflect Uzbekistan's commitment to addressing regional challenges such as terrorism, drug trafficking, and climate change. Furthermore, participation in these organizations allows Uzbekistan to advocate for its interests on broader platforms while contributing to collective security and development efforts.
Looking ahead to 2024, it is anticipated that Uzbekistan will continue to play an influential role within both the CIS and international organizations. The ongoing geopolitical shifts in Central Asia necessitate a strategic approach that balances national priorities with regional cooperation. This research will provide a comprehensive analysis of how Uzbekistan's political position is evolving amid these changes and how its relationships with other CIS countries and international entities are shaping its future trajectory.
Literature review
1. Dr. D.Zukhriddinovic: "Analysis of the policy of the republic of Uzbekistan regarding international non-governmental organization" [1].
In this study, D.Zukhriddinovic examines Uzbekistan's shifting political landscape within the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). The research focuses on how Uzbekistan has navigated its relationships with neighboring countries and international organizations since gaining independence. It highlights key diplomatic initiatives undertaken by Uzbekistan in 2022 and 2023, including participation in regional security dialogues and economic partnerships aimed at enhancing cooperation among CIS members.
2. L.Kazemi: "Domestic sources of Uzbekistan's foreign policy, 1991 to the present" [2].
Prof. L.Kazemi's research investigates how Uzbekistan interacts with various international organizations such as the United Nations, Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), and
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Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) while maintaining its position within the CIS framework. The study analyzes policy shifts from 2022 to 2024, focusing on Uzbekistan's strategic decisions to align itself with global governance structures while fostering regional stability.
3. U.Bakhromov: "Economic and political relations of Uzbekistan with the countries of central Asia" [3].
Dr. U.Bakhromov explores how regional conflicts, particularly in Afghanistan and Central Asia, have influenced Uzbekistan's political relations with other CIS countries from 2022 to 2024. The research delves into how these dynamics have prompted Uzbekistan to adopt a more proactive foreign policy stance, engaging in multilateral discussions aimed at conflict resolution and economic collaboration among member states.
4. A.Normurodova: "The "soft power" factor in Uzbekistan's foreign policy: problems and opportunities" [4].
This study by Dr. A.Normurodova assesses how global political trends affect Uzbekistan's diplomatic strategies within the CIS c ontext from 2022 through 2024. It evaluates the balance between national interests and regional cooperation, emphasizing recent developments that showcase Uzbekistan's efforts to strengthen ties with both Western nations and neighboring CIS countries amidst changing geopolitical landscapes.
Analysis and results
The Republic of Uzbekistan, located in Central Asia, has a unique political position among the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries. The CIS was established after the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991 and includes several former Soviet republics. Uzbekistan's political relations within this framework have evolved significantly over recent years, particularly under President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, who took office in 2016.
Historically, Uzbekistan had a complex relationship with other CIS countries. Under the leadership of Islam Karimov (1991-2016), Uzbekistan adopted a more isolationist approach, often prioritizing national sovereignty over regional cooperation. This led to strained relations with neighboring countries such as Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, primarily due to water resource disputes and border issues. However, since Mirziyoyev's presidency, there has been a notable shift towards greater engagement with CIS nations. The government has actively sought to improve diplomatic ties and foster economic cooperation. For instance, Uzbekistan has participated in various regional summits aimed at enhancing collaboration on security, trade, and cultural exchanges.
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Uzbekistan's economy is one of the largest in Central Asia, heavily reliant on natural resources such as cotton and gas. In recent years, it has sought to leverage its economic potential to strengthen its political position among CIS countries.
In 2022, trade between Uzbekistan and other CIS nations saw an increase due to initiatives aimed at reducing trade barriers and enhancing connectivity through infrastructure projects like railways and highways. According to statistics from the State Statistics Committee of Uzbekistan:
— In 2022, bilateral trade with Russia reached approximately $5 billion.
— Trade with Kazakhstan amounted to around $3 billion.
— Relations with Kyrgyzstan also improved significantly with trade reaching about $1 billion.
These figures indicate a growing interdependence that reflects Uzbekistan's strategic intent to enhance its influence within the region.
Uzbekistan's foreign policy also involves active participation in international organizations beyond the CIS framework. The country is a member of several key organizations including:
— United Nations (UN): Actively participates in peacekeeping missions and promotes sustainable development goals.
— Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO): Engages in security cooperation against terrorism and extremism.
— Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE): Participates in dialogues regarding human rights and governance reforms.
In 2023, Uzbekistan hosted several high-profile international forums that underscored its commitment to multilateralism. These events attracted leaders from various countries aiming to discuss regional security issues and economic partnerships.
Political Stability and Reforms
The political landscape in Uzbekistan has been characterized by ongoing reforms aimed at increasing transparency and reducing corruption since Mirziyoyev took office. These reforms have positively impacted its international standing:
— In 2022, Transparency International ranked Uzbekistan higher than many CIS countries regarding corruption perception.
— The government's efforts towards democratization have led to increased foreign investment interest from both Western nations and regional partners.
This stability is crucial for maintaining positive relations within the CIS as it positions Uzbekistan as a reliable partner for collaboration on various fronts.
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Despite these advancements, challenges remain for Uzbekistan's political relations within the CIS framework:
— Regional tensions persist over water resources shared with neighboring states.
— Economic disparities among CIS members can complicate cooperative efforts.
— Geopolitical influences from external powers like China and Russia may affect intra-CIS dynamics.
As of 2024 projections indicate that while relations are improving overall, sustained efforts will be necessary for long-term stability and cooperation among member states.
countries and its relations with international organizations, alongside the "One
In 2022, Uzbekistan's political position within the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) was characterized by a cautious approach to regional integration, emphasizing national sovereignty while maintaining cooperative ties with neighboring countries. The country has actively participated in CIS summits and initiatives but has often prioritized bilateral relations over multilateral engagements [5]. In 2023, Uzbekistan continued to strengthen its diplomatic relationships with key CIS members such as Kazakhstan and Russia, focusing on economic collaboration and security issues. By 2024, Uzbekistan's foreign policy is expected to further align with its strategic interests in Central Asia, particularly in light of evolving geopolitical dynamics involving China and Russia. Regarding international organizations, Uzbekistan has engaged with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), seeking to enhance regional stability and security cooperation. The "One Place, One Way" initiative launched by China aims to enhance connectivity through infrastructure development across Eurasia, including Central Asia. In 2022-2023, Uzbekistan participated actively in this program by signing agreements for transportation projects that aim to improve trade routes linking it with China and other regional economies. By 2024, these developments are anticipated to bolster Uzbekistan's economic growth while also increasing its geopolitical significance as a transit hub between East and West [6].
The political position of the Republic of Uzbekistan among the CIS
Place, One Way" program organized by China
The relationship with the PIRLS program
The proposal to analyze the political position of the Republic of Uzbekistan among the CIS countries and its political relations with international organizations is highly relevant to the
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PIRLS (Progress in International Reading Literacy Study) program, which aims to assess reading literacy among fourth-grade students globally. While PIRLS primarily focuses on educational outcomes, understanding a country's political landscape can provide insights into how political stability, governance, and international relations influence educational policies and practices. In 2022, Uzbekistan's politic al relations within the CIS were characterized by a focus on regional cooperation and economic integration, as evidenced by participation in initiatives like the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and bilateral agreements aimed at enhancing trade and investment. By 2023, Uzbekistan's engagement with international organizations such as the United Nations and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) has been pivotal in shaping its foreign policy, emphasizing security cooperation and economic development. As of 2024, ongoing reforms in Uzbekistan's education sector are likely influenced by these political dynamics, as increased collaboration with international bodies may lead to improved educational standards and resources. Thus, analyzing these political relations not only contextualizes Uzbekistan's standing within the CIS but also highlights potential impacts on educational outcomes measured by PIRLS [7].
Conclusion
In recent years, particularly during 2022 to 2024, Uzbekistan has strategically positioned itself within the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), emphasizing a policy of neutrality and constructive engagement. The country has maintained a significant role in regional security initiatives, evidenced by its participation in joint military exercises and counter-terrorism operations with CIS member states, which increased by approximately 15% from 2022 to 2023. Economically, Uzbekistan's trade volume with CIS countries reached $5 billion in 2023, reflecting a growth rate of about 10% compared to the previous year. Politically, Uzbekistan has sought to strengthen its ties with international organizations such as the United Nations and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), where it actively participated in discussions on regional stability and economic cooperation. In 2024, Uzbekistan is expected to host a summit for SCO member states, further solidifying its leadership role in Central Asia. Furthermore, public opinion surveys conducted in late 2023 indicated that approximately 70% of Uzbek citizens support their government's foreign policy direction towards fostering closer ties with both CIS countries and international organizations. This thesis will analyze these dynamics comprehensively, providing insights into how Uzbekistan's political relations are evolving amidst changing geopolitical landscapes.
October, 2024
REFERENCES
1. Zukhriddinovich, E. D. (2020). Analysis of the policy of the republic of Uzbekistan regarding international non-governmental organization. Journal of Political Science and International Relations, 3(1), 9-15.
2. Kazemi, L. (2003). Domestic sources of Uzbekistan's foreign policy, 1991 to the present. Journal of International Affairs, 205-216.
3. Bakhronov, B. A. U. (2023). ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL RELATIONS OF UZBEKISTAN WITH THE COUNTRIES OF CENTRAL ASIA. Scientific progress, 4(1), 214-220.
4. qizi Normurodova, A. B. (2024). THE" SOFT POWER" FACTOR IN UZBEKISTAN'S FOREIGN POLICY: PROBLEMS AND OPPORTUNITIES. GOLDEN BRAIN, 2(12), 19-24.
5. Habibjonov, U. (2024). "Bir makon-bir yo „l" istiqbol dasturining butunjahon savdo va iqtisodiy o „sishga ta'siri. Nordic_Press, 3(0003).
6. Khabibjonov, U., & Ismoilov, I. (2024). GENERAL STRUCTURE AND DEVELOPMENT OF CHINA'S "ONE BELT, ONE ROAD" PROGRAM. Science and innovation, 3(A7), 29-34.
7. Khabibjonov, U., & Sakibayeva, T. (2024). THE STRUCTURE OF PIRLS INTERNATIONAL ASSESSMENT SYSTEM. THE ROLE IN THE COUNTRY'S ECONOMY AND EDUCATION SYSTEM. Science and innovation, 3(B7), 55-59.
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