Russian vector in foreign policy of Uzbekistan during the presidency of Sh. Mirziyoyev
Keywords:
foreign policy, Uzbekistan, Sh. Mirziyoyev, Russia, China, military cooperation, Eurasian Economic Union.Abstract
In this paper, author identifies the significance of Russian vector in Uzbekistan's foreign policy during the reign of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev (since 2016). Neoclassical realism was the theoretical basis of the study within which foreign policy strategy of the state is explained primarily by the influence of systemic variables and secondly by “intervening” (state level) variables. Paper consists of several parts. The introduction outlines features of Uzbekistan's geopolitical position and research goal. The following parts examine political, economic and military cooperation between Uzbekistan and the Russian Federation. Single section of the paper is devoted to the issue of Uzbekistan's possible entry into the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). As result of the study, author comes to several conclusions. First conclusion is that in period from 2016 to 2021 the trade and economic cooperation with Russia was intensified. The most vivid illustration of rapprochement process between the two states is the agreement on joint construction of nuclear power plant in the territory of Uzbekistan. At the same time, there is an increase in trade with China, which has been the largest trading partner of Tashkent since 2015. This allows us to conclude that Uzbekistan's foreign economic strategy is to balance between Russia and China. Second conclusion is that in recent years, Tashkent has expanded trade relations with the EAEU. In 2019, a broad discussion has begun in the state regarding accession to the EAEU. Author considers that in the presence of certain disadvantages, membership in this Union would be useful for Uzbekistan, since it will help to avoid economic dependence on China. Third conclusion is that in 2016-2021, military cooperation between Tashkent and Moscow is intensifying: the import of Russian military equipment is increasing, joint military exercises are being held (after a twelve-year break). At the same time, Uzbekistan is trying to develop security cooperation with the United States and China, thus balancing between Moscow, Beijing and Washington.
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