Ups and Downs in Foreign Policy of Uzbekistan towards Security Approach of Russia

Abstract

The strategic importance of Central Asia not only relies on the prospering wealth of the region but is also determined from theperspective of regional and international security. The newly independent countries of Central Asia, including Uzbekistan found themselves at the beginning of the New World Order (Farkhod 2007). Undoubtedly, September 11 events triggered a turning point in the security politics of Central Asia. US military engagement with the Central Asian countries has accelerated fighting radical Islamist extremism in Afghanistan and has influenced the written and unwritten rules in the region.Another turning point seems to be the withdrawal of NATO troops from Afghanistan in 2014. Since the start of NATO operations in Afghanistan, there has been no radical change in terms of potential threats and this country posesincludingradical Islamic organizations, drug trafficking and separatism. For these reasons, Central Asian countries, Russia and China continue on preparing for the upcoming future. While Afghanistan- USrelations have an impact on Uzbek security policy and its reflections on Russian security policy approach, domestic dynamics and leadership traditions have also direct impact on the Uzbek foreign policy and security policy.