The Institute of International Relations (ISRI) discussed Uzbekistan's role as a middle power.

On August 26, the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of Uzbekistan held a scientific and practical seminar dedicated to the country's emergence as a responsible middle power. The event focused on the transformation of Uzbekistan's foreign policy, its role in Central Asia, and the expansion of its international reach.

The discussion centered on the analytical report "Uzbekistan as a Responsible Middle Power," prepared by the Institute's team of authors. The report analyzed the evolution of the country's foreign policy since independence, as well as changes that have occurred over the past decade.

Opening the seminar, Eldor Aripov, Director of the Institute of Strategic and Regional Studies, noted that over the 35 years of independence, Uzbekistan has emerged as an independent actor in international relations and developed its own foreign policy school. He noted that in the past decade, while maintaining the principles of sovereignty, non-interference, peaceful resolution of disputes, pragmatism, and mutual benefit, the country's foreign policy has become more open and proactive.

Aripov also emphasized that the international academic and expert community is increasingly viewing Uzbekistan through the lens of the concept of a modern middle power. According to him, the ISRS's task was to analyze how this assessment corresponds to changes in the country's foreign policy.

Presenting the report, ISRS First Deputy Director Akramjon Nematov noted that middle power status is determined not only by a country's size but also by its ability to pursue an independent foreign policy, assume regional responsibilities, and achieve practical international results.

The report emphasizes that Uzbekistan is developing relations with Russia, China, the United States, the European Union, Turkey, the Gulf States, South Asia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and other partners. However, according to the authors, this is not a policy of equidistance, but rather an expansion of strategic options and a desire to avoid becoming embroiled in confrontation between major centers of power.

Special attention is given to proactive diplomacy. According to the International Institute of Central Asia (ISR), Uzbekistan is increasingly putting forward its own initiatives on issues related to Central Asia, Afghanistan, transport connectivity, climate, the Aral Sea region, interreligious dialogue, youth, and sustainable development. By August 2026, the UN General Assembly had adopted 15 special resolutions initiated by Uzbekistan.

Participants also linked the expansion of the country's foreign policy capabilities to its internal resources, including economic dynamism, demographic potential, geographic location, human capital, resource base, and the development of transport connectivity.

A significant portion of the discussion was devoted to Central Asia. Sherzod Fayziev, Deputy Director of the International Institute of Central Asia, noted that the region is an important indicator of the maturity of a state's foreign policy. In the case of Uzbekistan, he noted, this is manifested in the strengthening of good-neighborly relations, the resolution of border issues, the restoration of transport links, the growth of trade, and the search for solutions to water and energy issues.

Participants emphasized that Uzbekistan's growing role should not be viewed as a redistribution of influence within Central Asia. On the contrary, developing cooperation between Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan is seen as a factor in increasing the international standing of the entire region.

Ravshan Alimov, Director of the Center for Afghanistan and South Asia Studies at the Institute for Advanced International Studies, noted the importance of regional coordination. He assessed that harmonizing positions allows Central Asia to more actively engage with external partners, develop ties with South Asia, and utilize the region's geographic location as a resource for development.

As examples, participants cited two UN General Assembly resolutions adopted on May 20, 2026. The resolution "Strengthening Regional Cooperation and Economic Integration to Ensure Sustainable Development in the Central Asian Region," introduced by Uzbekistan on behalf of the five Central Asian states, received 66 co-sponsors. On the same day, a resolution "Peaceful Settlement of Border Disputes," introduced by Kyrgyzstan jointly with Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, was adopted and received 40 co-sponsors.

The seminar participants also discussed the global dimension of Uzbekistan's responsibility. They assessed that the country's international role is manifested not only in promoting its own initiatives but also in providing platforms for international dialogue. Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, Fergana, and Termez host multilateral events, and Uzbekistan's initiatives on the Aral Sea region, climate, transport connectivity, religious tolerance, and sustainable development receive support at international forums.

Summing up, Eldor Aripov emphasized that the concept of a responsible middle power should be perceived not as a formal status, but as a higher level of responsibility. He stated that expanding the state's capabilities requires improving the quality of diplomacy, economic and technological resilience, human capital development, and the ability to fulfill international obligations.

The participants noted that the presented report is not a definitive definition of Uzbekistan's international status, but is intended to serve as a basis for further professional discussion.