ACADEMIC MOBILITY AS A CATALYST FOR ENHANCING UZBEKISTAN’S GLOBAL IMAGE AND SOFT POWER

Аннотация

This paper explores the pivotal role of academic mobility in advancing Uzbekistan’s global image, soft power, and international visibility. As Uzbekistan transitions from post-Soviet isolation to a globally integrated knowledge economy, educational diplomacy has emerged as a strategic lever. Academic mobility—encompassing both inbound and outbound student flows, faculty exchange, and institutional partnerships—serves as an instrument for projecting national values, enhancing cultural attractiveness, and fostering long-term diplomatic relationships. Drawing on theories of soft power and destination branding, along with empirical examples from comparative nations and Uzbekistan’s own evolving higher education sector, the article argues that academic mobility must be embedded in Uzbekistan’s broader foreign policy and tourism strategy. Policy recommendations are provided to harness academic exchange as a key component of national development and internationalization.