CHALLENGES TO CENTRAL ASIAN INTEGRATION: THE CASE OF UZBEK-KAZAKH RELATIONS (1991–2016)

Аннотация

This article examines the issues of regional integration within the framework of Uzbek-Kazakh relations during the years of independence. It analyzes the efforts made by both countries topromote regional cooperation, the challenges encountered, and the influence of external actors on the integration process. The study also explores the collapse of Central Asian integration initiatives and evaluates the roles played by the leaders of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan in shaping the trajectory of regional cooperation. Particular attention is given to thediffering approaches of thetwo countries toward regional integration. Key words: Central Asia, integration, external forces, virtual regionalism, Organization of Central Asian Cooperation, International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea, EurAsEC, Union of Central Asian States.