UZBEKISTAN’S TRADE INTEGRATION WITH CENTRAL ASIAN COUNTRIES IN THE POST-PANDEMIC PERIOD: THROUGH THE LIBERALISM PERSPECTIVE
Abstract
This study investigates the influence of liberalist principles on Uzbekistan’s post-pandemic trade integration within Central Asia, analyzing how economic interdependence, free trade, and cooperative frameworks have shaped regional recovery and growth. Amid the disruptions caused by COVID-19, Uzbekistan—the region’s most populous and geopolitically pivotal state—prioritized revitalizing regional trade to address its landlocked challenges and foster economic stability. Under President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s liberalization agenda, the country pursued reforms aimed at modernizing its economy and strengthening ties with neighboring states. Drawing on liberalism theory, this research evaluates the extent to which liberal economic policies have driven Uzbekistan’s post-pandemic trade strategies and their implications for regional cooperation. Through qualitative analysis of academic literature, government reports, trade statistics, and case studies, the paper assesses the alignment of Uzbekistan’s policies with liberalist ideals, such as reducing trade barriers and institutionalizing multilateral cooperation. Findings suggest that while liberal frameworks have facilitated enhanced regional trade integration, persistent infrastructural deficits, uneven development, and political tensions complicate full realization of mutual gains. The study contributes to debates on liberalism’s efficacy in post-crisis regional integration, offering insights for policymakers navigating the interplay of economic modernization, political stability, and collective prosperity in Central Asia.
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