UZBEKISTAN’S REGIONAL TURN: COMPARING KARIMOV AND MIRZIYOYEV’S APPROACHES TO CENTRAL ASIA

Artur Utebayev; Kuanysh Orinbay; Nargiz Mukhamedkaziy; Adelya Bagdat

UZBEKISTAN’S REGIONAL TURN: COMPARING KARIMOV AND MIRZIYOYEV’S APPROACHES TO CENTRAL ASIA

Abstract

The late 2010s signaled a decisive shift in Uzbekistan’s political trajectory, as the country adopted a new approach to Central Asian regionalism. This study compares the Karimov and Mirziyoyev presidencies to show how changes in foreign policy discourse encapsulates broader transformations in governance, identity, and national priorities. Particular attention is given to their contrasting leadership styles and approaches to regional integration. Using both qualitative and quantitative methods, this study traces key narratives in the foreign policy discourse of both leaders. While there are notable similarities in their rhetoric, especially regarding Central Asia’s shared identity and Uzbekistan’s role in regional integration, the findings highlight significant differences in practice. Whereas Karimov prioritized sovereignty over engagement with multilateral structures, Mirziyoyev emphasized multilateral cooperation while simultaneously addressing domestic challenges.

Keywords

Ethical Statement

Ethical Commission’s report was submitted to the journal. This study was conducted in accordance with the ethical standards of Maqsut Narikbayev University. All interview participants were informed of the purpose of the study and provided informed consent to participate. Where anonymity was requested or required, identifying information was withheld.

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Politics in International Relations

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Artur Utebayev ^* This is me
0009-0009-4647-0490
Kazakhstan

Kuanysh Orinbay This is me
0009-0009-5239-0067
Kazakhstan

Nargiz Mukhamedkaziy This is me
Kazakhstan

Adelya Bagdat This is me
0009-0001-7004-9040
Kazakhstan

Publication Date

July 29, 2026

Submission Date

December 18, 2025

Acceptance Date

June 19, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 8 Number: 3

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA27UK64JB

Cite

RIS / Bibtex

APA

Utebayev, A., Orinbay, K., Mukhamedkaziy, N., & Bagdat, A. (2026). UZBEKISTAN’S REGIONAL TURN: COMPARING KARIMOV AND MIRZIYOYEV’S APPROACHES TO CENTRAL ASIA. Eurasian Research Journal, 8(3), 297-324. https://izlik.org/JA27UK64JB

AMA

1.Utebayev A, Orinbay K, Mukhamedkaziy N, Bagdat A. UZBEKISTAN’S REGIONAL TURN: COMPARING KARIMOV AND MIRZIYOYEV’S APPROACHES TO CENTRAL ASIA. ERJ. 2026;8(3):297-324. https://izlik.org/JA27UK64JB

Chicago

Utebayev, Artur, Kuanysh Orinbay, Nargiz Mukhamedkaziy, and Adelya Bagdat. 2026. “UZBEKISTAN’S REGIONAL TURN: COMPARING KARIMOV AND MIRZIYOYEV’S APPROACHES TO CENTRAL ASIA”. Eurasian Research Journal 8 (3): 297-324. https://izlik.org/JA27UK64JB.

EndNote

Utebayev A, Orinbay K, Mukhamedkaziy N, Bagdat A (July 1, 2026) UZBEKISTAN’S REGIONAL TURN: COMPARING KARIMOV AND MIRZIYOYEV’S APPROACHES TO CENTRAL ASIA. Eurasian Research Journal 8 3 297–324.

IEEE

[1]A. Utebayev, K. Orinbay, N. Mukhamedkaziy, and A. Bagdat, “UZBEKISTAN’S REGIONAL TURN: COMPARING KARIMOV AND MIRZIYOYEV’S APPROACHES TO CENTRAL ASIA”, ERJ, vol. 8, no. 3, pp. 297–324, July 2026, [Online]. Available: https://izlik.org/JA27UK64JB

ISNAD

Utebayev, Artur - Orinbay, Kuanysh - Mukhamedkaziy, Nargiz - Bagdat, Adelya. “UZBEKISTAN’S REGIONAL TURN: COMPARING KARIMOV AND MIRZIYOYEV’S APPROACHES TO CENTRAL ASIA”. Eurasian Research Journal 8/3 (July 1, 2026): 297-324. https://izlik.org/JA27UK64JB.

JAMA

1.Utebayev A, Orinbay K, Mukhamedkaziy N, Bagdat A. UZBEKISTAN’S REGIONAL TURN: COMPARING KARIMOV AND MIRZIYOYEV’S APPROACHES TO CENTRAL ASIA. ERJ. 2026;8:297–324.

MLA

Utebayev, Artur, et al. “UZBEKISTAN’S REGIONAL TURN: COMPARING KARIMOV AND MIRZIYOYEV’S APPROACHES TO CENTRAL ASIA”. Eurasian Research Journal, vol. 8, no. 3, July 2026, pp. 297-24, https://izlik.org/JA27UK64JB.

Vancouver

1.Artur Utebayev, Kuanysh Orinbay, Nargiz Mukhamedkaziy, Adelya Bagdat. UZBEKISTAN’S REGIONAL TURN: COMPARING KARIMOV AND MIRZIYOYEV’S APPROACHES TO CENTRAL ASIA. ERJ [Internet]. 2026 Jul. 1;8(3):297-324. Available from: https://izlik.org/JA27UK64JB