The Phenomenon of the New Uzbekistan Diplomacy

This paper examines the emergence of the New Uzbek Diplomacy under President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, which has redefined Uzbekistan’s role in Central Asia and beyond. Since 2016, Uzbekistan has shifted from isolationism toward an active, cooperative foreign policy grounded in dialogue, mutual trust, and preventive diplomacy—principles known collectively as the Mirziyoyev Doctrine. This new approach fostered regional unity, revived interstate dialogue, and reframed Afghanistan as an integral part of Central Asia. As a result, the region has developed what scholars call “the spirit of Central Asia,” marked by openness and shared identity. Through ten UN resolutions and numerous regional initiatives, Uzbekistan has demonstrated how medium states can shape international agendas through soft power and pragmatic cooperation, making the New Uzbek Diplomacy a model of peace-oriented statecraft in the twenty-first century.