The "Southern Quadrilateral" doctrine: why is it important for Uzbekistan?
The peoples of Central Asia still view their southern neighbors - Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan - through a lens shaped either by their former colonies or by the West, and therefore feel alienated from these countries. However, we have the opportunity to form fundamental alliances of equal rights with these four countries, based on their identities.
The "Southern Four" Doctrine: What is its significance for Uzbekistan?
Geographical location is crucial in the fate of states and nations. Where a country is located and what kind of neighbors it is surrounded by are important factors for security and development.
Uzbekistan is located in the Central Asian region and has different neighbors on four sides. In the north is the Russian Federation - a former metropolis, in the east is the People's Republic of China, the world's second largest economic and military power, and in the west are the European Union and the United States.
This time we will talk about four countries located south of Uzbekistan and Central Asia. Given the importance of these countries for us, I would call them the "Southern Four" geopolitical doctrine.
In the south of Uzbekistan and the Central Asian region, there is a community of countries connected by the same identity and strong historical ties. It is with these four countries that we have the opportunity to form fundamental alliances and alliances based on our identities.
The 18th-20th centuries were a period of global colonialism. Although we are independent, we still continue to look at the southern four, which historically were in one place, and occasionally as part of a single state, within the framework of labels, templates and stereotypes imposed by the colonies. Which countries are these?
These are the Republic of Turkey, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Turkey is the largest representative of the six independent Turkic states in terms of demographic, economic, military and other parameters. It is a member of NATO and the second largest country in terms of the number of military personnel in this organization.
The population of the Islamic Republic of Iran is about 92 million, and it also has high economic, energy and military potential. However, conflicts with the West over the past half century have not allowed this country to fully realize its potential.
Afghanistan is our immediate neighbor, one of the historical epicenters of the Uzbeks of the world. For example, Alisher Navoi, one of the founders of the Uzbek language, was born, raised and lived in Herat, in present-day Afghanistan.
Pakistan is the largest country in this group by population and military power. Pakistan's population is estimated at around 260 million, and it is the only country in the Muslim world with nuclear weapons.
Why is this group important for Uzbekistan and the countries of Central Asia? It is known that development is regional in nature. As long as economic backwardness, social problems, and political crises continue in neighboring countries and regions, this negatively affects everyone in the region. Moreover, the strongest unions and alliances are built precisely on the basis of or close to common interests.