THE PHENOMENON OF "STRATEGIC TANDEM" AND "ENDOGENOUS REGIONALISM" IN CENTRAL ASIA: A HISTORICAL AND INSTITUTIONAL ANALYSIS OF THE MULTILATERAL RELATIONS BETWEEN UZBEKISTAN AND KAZAKHSTAN (1991–2022).

This study provides an in-depth analysis of the formation, dynamics, and institutional stages of political, economic, security, and cultural-humanitarian cooperation between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Republic of Kazakhstan from 1991 to 2022. In the complex geopolitical situation that emerged in the region after the collapse of the Soviet Union, mutual trust between the two major powers served as the primary pillar for ensuring regional security and stability. The article is based on the concept of "endogenous regionalism" in international relations, as well as the "strategic tandem" model compared to the experience of France and Germany. From cautious pragmatism in the early years of interstate relations to the Treaty of Strategic Partnership after 2017 and the Treaty of Historical Alliance in 2022