In the late 1990s, as the shock of independence wore off and Uzbek President Islam Karimov grew increasingly paranoid about threats to his hold on power, tens of thousands of people were imprisoned in Uzbekistan on religious extremism, terrorism, and treason charges. These ranged from imams and to merely curious citizens exploring Islam in ways … Read more
In 2016, Uzbekistan’s longtime leader, President Islam Karimov, died and his former prime minister, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, soon ascended to the presidency. In the seven years since, Mirziyoyev has consolidated himself in power and reshaped Uzbekistan on both the regional and international stage. Under the tag-line “New Uzbekistan,” Mirziyoyev’s administration pursued a range of reforms; and … Read more
Advertisement In the wake of Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s visits to Paris in 2018 and 2022, French President Emmanuel Macron paid a two-day official visit to Uzbekistan on November 1 and 2. The visit holds profound symbolism, as it coincided with the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between … Read more
Advertisement Amidst significant geopolitical shifts and Central Asia’s burgeoning economic and political potential, German interest in the region has significantly increased in recent years. Germany, along with the European Union, aims to divest from U.S. strategic hegemony to engage in a multipolar global contest with China and Russia. This recalibration is further informed by Germany’s … Read more
Advertisement Central Asia’s abundant natural resources and strategic location make it an important player in the adjustment of the international political and economic structure. At the same time, the topic of Central Asian integration has long elicited heated debates among various stakeholders. The regional integration process of the Central Asian countries following their independence can … Read more
Advertisement As the United States elevates its presence and strategic partnerships in key arenas of the world such as Central Asia, it’s imperative for U.S. policymakers and the court of public opinion to look to Uzbekistan as a bedrock partner in the region. Since 2016, Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has led an ambitious nation-state transformation … Read more
Crossroads Asia | Politics | Central Asia With 87 percent of the votes in a campaign devoid of genuine competition, the Uzbek president has cemented himself in power much like his predecessor. Advertisement Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev sailed into a third term — despite Uzbekistan’s long-standing but never-heeded two term limit — by capturing 87 percent of the vote … Read more
Advertisement As Uzbekistan returned to the ballot boxes on July 9, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev was expected to win yet another landslide victory. As predicted, he secured himself another victory, with 87 percent of votes. These elections have given the incumbent the opportunity to hold power until 2037. Three years ago, referring to Mirziyoyev’s ascent to … Read more
Advertisement It turns out the “New Uzbekistan” declared by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev is looking increasingly like the old version many Uzbeks had hoped had been left behind. Mirziyoyev is running for re-election on July 9 and is sure to win. He still presents himself as a reformer and has indeed whetted the appetite for change … Read more
Magazine Since 2016, Mirziyoyev’s reforms have often served two purposes: a populist aim paired with an overriding interest in regime security. In this handout photo released by Uzbekistan’s Presidential Press Office, Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev speaks during a meeting in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, April 28, 2023. Credit: Uzbekistan’s Presidential Press Office via AP Advertisement On November … Read more