New Regionalism in Central Asia

The primary condition for a successful foreign and domestic policy is a constructive understanding of one’s place in the world and in the region, which allows for the pragmatic formulation and implementation of national development goals. In recent years, a new foreign policy strategy has been initiated in Uzbekistan, the key task of which is to create an atmosphere of trust, good-neighbourliness and cooperation in Central Asia. How this approach is being rolled out reflects the emergence of a new geopolitical reality. Strengthening cooperation and political trust between the countries of Central Asia are making it a more independent, predictable and stable region, with respect to world politics. The rapidly changing situation in the region and throughout the world as a whole is making its own adjustments to the agenda of regional and national development. With all the diversity among states in the Central Asian region, the basic and historical principles of their state identity are based on a balance between secularism and spirituality. There, the secular state is balanced by spiritual principles, and they remain consistent in their approach. It underscores a certain continuity in the principles of state building in the region, which is very important for maintaining a constructive balance between statist, secular and traditional values. It should be understood that the countries of Central Asia have been able to mobilise internal resources to counter various manifestations of extremism and separatism, despite the prevailing opinion in the expert community that the region is located along the so-called “geostrategic fault line” of the world.