Who are Uzbekistan's allies and who else could they be?

When observing interstate relations, you may hear about “alliance relations”. So, what does “alliance relations” mean? Is there a legal definition of “alliance”? Why do states develop allied states and relations?

First of all, it should be said that there is no legal definition of “alliance”. Alliancing relations are a purely political concept, having political content and essence. States that establish alliance relations give meaning and content to the term “alliance” based on their own political traditions, needs and views. Therefore, the “alliance” established between states may not have the same meaning, content, tone, and cooperation.

Alliancing is the highest, the pinnacle of relations between states. When states establish alliances, this means that in any weather - even in times of political and geopolitical turbulence - these states trust and must trust each other. It is assumed that there can be no war between them, that contradictions and conflicts do not escalate, and if a problematic situation arises on any issue - the parties will freely resolve these problems in a spirit of mutual respect and friendship. In addition, “alliance” gives the political meaning that the states that signed it can rely on each other in difficult situations.

Uzbekistan gained independence in 1991, and over the past 34 years it has entered into alliance relations with 4 states.

During the first administration of Uzbekistan, our state signed an alliance agreement with only one country - the Russian Federation. This agreement was signed in November 2005. This alliance relationship, signed with the Russian Federation, has a complex political and geopolitical context. After the events that took place in Andijan in May 2005, Western countries and the European Union called for an international investigation into these events. Against this background, Uzbekistan seriously approached the People's Republic of China and the Russian Federation, and on November 14, an agreement on alliance relations was signed in Moscow. The alliance with Russia was the only alliance relationship established during the rule of President Karimov.

After the change of power in 2016, Uzbekistan began to interpret the concept of "alliance" in a completely different way. It gave this concept not a tactical, but a truly strategic meaning, and began to look at it through the criteria of regional and Turkic identity.

During the term of President Mirziyoyev, alliance relations were established with three countries, two of which are our close and direct neighbors, and the third is a state and nation in the neighboring region with which we have strong historical ties.

Alliance relations with Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan were established on December 22, 2022. It should be recalled that in February 2022, the Russian Federation invaded Ukraine, and a major war began. This war clearly affected the relations between the countries of Central Asia. Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, while moving to the position of allies, agreed to support each other against the backdrop of external threats and problems. In other words, the responsibility of these two countries for the fate of the region was emphasized, and they made a historic agreement not to oppose each other, secretly or openly, for the interests or projects of external forces.

In 2024, Uzbekistan established alliance relations with two countries. In February, alliance agreements were signed with Tajikistan, and in August, with Azerbaijan.

If you pay attention, during the first administration, Uzbekistan's relations with Russia, Kazakhstan, and Tajikistan were very tense and contradictory, and at times very cold. However, the second administration was able to create a completely new tone in foreign policy, including relations with neighbors, not allowing coldness to prevail due to problems, but rather cultivating a spirit of friendship and trust for opportunities. At the same time, it was able to achieve this result without retreating from our national interests.

Tajikistan and Tajiks are the closest states and people to Uzbekistan and Uzbeks. If the Uyghurs are the closest nation to the Uzbeks in terms of language and culture, then the Tajiks are probably the closest in terms of mentality.

Of the three states in the Caucasus region, only one of them is Turkic, and that is Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan is a bridge state connecting Central Asia, that is, historical Turkestan, with Turkey.

So, with which other countries can Uzbekistan establish alliances in the future? In my opinion, it is only a matter of time before Uzbekistan becomes an ally with Turkey, and also with neighboring Kyrgyzstan in the coming years. So far, Turkmenistan has been acting on the principle of neutrality in foreign policy and is not very active in interstate and multilateral organizations. However, in the future, if Turkmenistan chooses geopolitical activity over neutrality, establishing an alliance with this state will be an important step for Uzbekistan's regional policy, Central Asian integration, and the integrity of historical Turkestan.

New interstate relations are taking shape in the world. International law has weakened significantly. New rules of the game are being formed for the implementation of the will of powerful states. Against this background, the alliance of Uzbekistan and Turkey would be of great importance for the security and stability of the two states, and for the political, geopolitical, and military-strategic potential of Central Asia.

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