Modern Political Science in Tajikistan: Methodological Guidelines and Research Priorities

The article is devoted to the analysis of the formation and development of modern political science in Tajikistan. The author examines methodological approaches, research priorities, and scientific guidelines of Tajik scientists based on the study of an array of scientific publications for the period from 2000 to 2024. The key topics identified are statehood, national identity, security, the Islamic factor, and political culture. The author argues that Tajikistan has begun to form its own scientific school of political science based on domestic research teams, academic institutes, and university departments. Signs of the formation of a national school are highlighted, including the institutionalization of scientific centers, sustainability of research teams, presence of national scientific authorities, and characteristics of the subject area of research. Methodological features of Tajik studies are drawn attention to: prevalence of historical-genetic approach and securitization in problematic field. In context of actualization of security issues, identity, and sustainability, Tajik political studies acquire great importance as national analytical resource. Along with the achievements, factors hindering the development of the scientific school of political science in Tajikistan have been identified: insufficient theoretical, fundamental, predictive, and comparative research; the dominance of normative research and state discourse; local research interests; and weak interdisciplinary. The author emphasizes the importance of expanding scientific contacts between Russia and Tajikistan, increasing scientific mobility programs, and joint scientific projects. This work contributes to understanding the features of scientific discourse in Tajikstan and is of interest to researchers in the post-Soviet space, Central Asia, and comparative political science.