Uzbekistan’s initiatives to ensure peace and stability in Central Asia, raising relations of friendship and cooperation with neighboring states to a new level

https://doi.org/10.35912/dpd.v4i2.2952
Published: May 26, 2025

Abstract:

Purpose: This study aims to analyze Uzbekistan’s proactive foreign policy initiatives to ensure peace, stability, and deeper regional integration in Central Asia, particularly through diplomacy, environmental action, infrastructure development, and cross-border cooperation.

Research methodology: The research applies a qualitative analysis approach, drawing from official documents, international agreements, and speeches by Uzbekistan’s leadership. The analysis focuses on five thematic areas: peace-building in Afghanistan, ecological cooperation, water management, transport infrastructure, and nuclear disarmament.

Results: Uzbekistan has emerged as a regional leader by facilitating consultative meetings among Central Asian heads of state, advocating for a nuclear-weapon-free zone, investing in sustainable transport networks like the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, and promoting ecological innovation in the Aral Sea basin. These initiatives have enhanced economic ties, border stability, environmental security, and Uzbekistan’s geopolitical relevance in the region.

Conclusions: Uzbekistan's strategic initiatives have significantly contributed to regional peace and stability while reinforcing economic and environmental cooperation. However, challenges such as Afghan instability, climate change, and water disputes remain critical to long-term regional security.

Limitations: This study is based on secondary sources and public policy documents; it does not incorporate fieldwork or interviews with stakeholders in the region, which could enrich the understanding of local-level impacts.

Contribution: This research contributes to regional studies and international relations by highlighting how a mid-sized state like Uzbekistan can play a catalytic role in fostering multilateral cooperation and addressing transboundary challenges in a post-Soviet context

Keywords:
1. Afghanistan
2. A Nuclear-weapon-free zone
3. Aral Sea
4. Central Asia
5. Initiatives
Authors:
Tashev Qahramon Ozodbekovich
University of World Economy And Diplomacy, Uzbekistan
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Ozodbekovich, T. Q. (2025). Uzbekistan’s initiatives to ensure peace and stability in Central Asia, raising relations of friendship and cooperation with neighboring states to a new level . Dynamics of Politics and Democracy, 4(2), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.35912/dpd.v4i2.2952
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Vol. 4 No. 2 (2025): February
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  2. Agency, A. (2025). Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan sign deal on junction point of state borders. Retrieved from https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/kyrgyzstan-tajikistan-uzbekistan-sign-deal-on-junction-point-of-state-borders/3524512
  3. Asia, I. C. f. W. C. o. C. (2024). Address by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev at the opening ceremony 29th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. Bulletin, 6, 105.
  4. Ataev, N. (2023). Hydro-hegemony and transboundary conflict resolution: the case of Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. Potentia: Journal of International Affairs, 14(1).
  5. Bodaubayeva, G., & Turkeeva, K. (2023). Formation of Industrial and Logistics Hub in the Border Areas of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. Eurasian Journal of Economic and Business Studies, 67(2), 133-145. doi:https://doi.org/10.47703/ejebs.v2i67.287
  6. Bosson, J. B., Huss, M., Cauvy-Fraunié, S., Clément, J. C., Costes, G., Fischer, M., . . . Arthaud, F. (2023). Future emergence of new ecosystems caused by glacial retreat. Nature, 620(7974), 562-569. doi:10.1038/s41586-023-06302-2
  7. Burnashev, R. (2015). Regional security in Central Asia: military aspects Central Asia (pp. 114-165): Routledge.
  8. Dadabaev, T. (2019). Uzbekistan as Central Asian game changer? Uzbekistan’s foreign policy construction in the post-Karimov era. Asian Journal of Comparative Politics, 4(2), 162-175. doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/2057891118775289
  9. Eleftheriou, A., Mouzourides, P., Biskos, G., Yiallouros, P., Kumar, P., & Neophytou, M. K. A. (2023). The challenge of adopting mitigation and adaptation measures for the impacts of sand and dust storms in Eastern Mediterranean Region: a critical review. Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change, 28(6), 33. doi:10.1007/s11027-023-10070-9
  10. Endriyono, E., Gunarto, T., & Murwiati, A. (2025). Measuring the Achievements of Smart Economics in the Smart Village Program in Lampung Province 2020-2024. Journal of Multidisciplinary Academic Business Studies, 2(4), 543-560. doi:https://doi.org/10.35912/jomabs.v2i4.3187
  11. Hamzao?lu, H. (2022). Turkey-Uzbekistan relations: strategic cooperation and partnership. Uluslararas? Toplumsal Bilimler Dergisi, 6(2), 313-329.
  12. Komilov, A. K. (2024). New Central Asia in the foreign policy of Uzbekistan. National Center of Uzbekistan for Human Rights.
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  14. Mirzayev, G. (2021). Central Asia-main foreign policy priorities of Uzbekistan: A new approach and practical actions. Journal of history, 103(4), 32-41. doi:https://doi.org/10.26577/JH.2021.v103.i4.04
  15. Mirziyoyev, S. M. (2017). Speech at the 72nd Session of the UN General Assembly in. September(19), 2017.
  16. Nematov, I. (2018). Accelerating the completion of legal registration of the State border with the countries of Central Asia as an important priority of the foreign policy of Uzbekistan. International Relations: Politics, Economics, Law, 2018(1), 56-61.
  17. Putro, C. B. R., & Sugiat, M. A. (2025). The use of UTAUT model to understand user intention and user behavior of mobile banking BIMA PT Bank Jateng. Journal of Multidisciplinary Academic Business Studies, 2(4), 561-577. doi:https://doi.org/10.35912/jomabs.v2i4.3191
  18. Rayimov, S., Mamatkabilov, T., & Eshmuradov, D. (2024). THE ROLE OF LAW ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITIES IN THE FIGHT AGAINST EXTREMISM AND IDIOLOGY. Science and innovation, 3(C6), 52-65.
  19. Saud, A., & Gul, A. (2023). Kyrgyzstan-Tajikistan Border Skirmishes (2022) and Waning Russian Influence in Central Asia. Central Asia, 92(Summer), 17-34.
  20. Usha, K. (2016). The Aral Sea Crisis in Central Asia: Environment, Human Security and Gender Concerns. IUP Journal of International Relations, 10(2).
  21. Uzbekistan, P. S. o. t. P. o. t. R. o. (2014). Address by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev at the Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia.
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  23. Uzbekistan, S. A. u. t. P. o. t. R. o. (2024). Foreign trade turnover of the Republic of Uzbekistan 2018-2024.
  24. Xenarios, S., Gafurov, A., Schmidt-Vogt, D., Sehring, J., Manandhar, S., Hergarten, C., . . . Foggin, M. (2019). Climate change and adaptation of mountain societies in Central Asia: uncertainties, knowledge gaps, and data constraints. Regional Environmental Change, 19(5), 1339-1352. doi:10.1007/s10113-018-1384-9
  25. Yar, F. G. M., Zahid, S., & Miakhil, J. M. (2023). Afghanistan's Geopolitical and Geo-Economic Significance in Regional Connectivity and Development. Journal of Political and Legal Sovereignty, 1(3), 79-87.
  26. Yormatov, F. J., & Abdurashidov, A. A. (2021). Humanitarian policy of Uzbekistan in providing the well-being of our people. ACADEMICIA: An International Multidisciplinary Research Journal, 11(10), 1470-1476. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.5958/2249-7137.2021.02269.2