COUNTERTERRORISM WITHOUT BORDERS: U.S.–UZBEKISTAN COOPERATION IN THE GLOBAL SECURITY FRAMEWORK

Аннотация

In the context of evolving global security challenges, U.S.–Uzbekistan cooperation in counterterrorism has become a key element of regional stability in Central Asia. Rooted in mutual interests and reinforced by geopolitical realities, the partnership focuses on combatting transnational threats such as terrorism, extremism, narcotics trafficking, and human smuggling. Uzbekistan has supported U.S. regional initiatives, including military logistics assistance, capacity-building in border control, and multilateral coordination mechanisms. According to U.S. Department of State reports, Uzbekistan remains a committed partner in the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS and has strengthened domestic counter-extremism policies. High-level engagements, such as the inaugural C5+1 dialogue and U.S.–Uzbekistan Strategic Partnership Dialogue, reflect sustained deepening of strategic alignment between the two countries. Senior-level talks, such as the recent Tashkent meetings (January 2025), point to heightened strategic convergence between the two nations. This paper examines how bilateral programs cross boundaries, placing Uzbekistan within the global counterterrorism cooperation architecture, and placing it as a leading player in post- 9/11 regional security diplomacy. Keywords: Uzbekistan, United States, Security Cooperation, Centra Asia, counter terrorism, regional stability. The war on terror has reshaped world security relations since the September 11 attacks. Central Asia, hitherto a peripheral region in American foreign policy, became increasingly important as a strategic buffer zone, particularly because of its geographical location close to Afghanistan. Within the Central Asian states, Uzbekistan was an important partner in counterterrorism and regional stabilization. This article discusses the development, extent, and future direction of U.S.–Uzbekistan counterterrorism cooperation within global security. In 2018 President Donald J. Trump hosted President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan in the White House, this first historic visit was ushered in a new era of strategic partnership between the United States and Uzbekistan. Both President Trump and President Mirziyoyev condemned cowardly terrorist attacks against Afghanistan security forces and innocent civilians, and committed to expanding dialogue to https://scientific-jl.com 1 3 3 48-son_2-to’plam_Iyul -2025 ISSN:3030-3621 Ta'lim innovatsiyasi va integratsiyasi overcome the challenges facing Afghanistan. President Mirziyoyev pledged steadfast political support to the Government of Afghanistan and discussed the December 2017 visit of Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani to Tashkent, Uzbekistan, where the two leaders signed a series of landmark agreements to increase trade and develop critical infrastructure. President Trump recognized the important role that Uzbekistan plays in regional economic development and praised Uzbekistan’s efforts to expand the development of trade and commercial ties with Afghanistan. He offered political support and planning consultations regarding Uzbekistan’s railroad and infrastructure projects in Afghanistan. In addition, Donald Trump acknowledged the United States’ long-standing partnership with Uzbekistan in the fight against terrorism. He emphasized that, following the tragic events of September 11, 2001, Uzbekistan provided the U.S. with critical logistical support and assisted in driving Al-Qaeda terrorists out of Afghanistan. During the visit, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev confirmed his full support for the U.S. President’s South Asia strategy. The discussions included strengthening bilateral cooperation, sharing responsibility, and addressing regional security challenges—particularly Uzbekistan’s initiatives aimed at ensuring stability in Afghanistan. The two leaders condemned extremism and international terrorism, and vowed to strengthen cooperation against these common threats. They also committed to pursue agreements that will enhance interoperability and improve regional security, and noted the importance of strengthening the defense relationship by implementing the first-ever Five-Year Plan of Military Cooperation. Following 9/11, Uzbekistan granted the U.S. access to the Karshi-Khanabad (K2) airbase, which facilitated military logistics in the Afghan war. The move was a reflection of Uzbekistan's intentions to join the international security arena. Bilateral relations intensified through collaborative exercises, border security assistance, and intelligence cooperation. The U.S. Department of State has always highlighted Uzbekistan's role in countering violent extremism and cross-border threats. As a member of the global coalition to defeat ISIS, Uzbekistan has accepted legislative reform and hosted regional counter-radicalization conferences. Moreover, U.S.–Uzbekistan signed a Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement in 2016. For over a decade, several Central Asian countries have enabled U.S. logistical support for oper