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About us

About us

The Institute for Advanced International Studies (IAIS) is an independent, international and interdisciplinary research institute within the University of World Economy and Diplomacy (UWED) in Uzbekistan. Founded on July 23rd, 2022, IAIS is dedicated to creating space for developing research on sundry challenges of international studies. We are guided by a distinct set of values – independent thought, innovative and critical thinking, cross-disciplinary scholarship, contributing to science, professionalism, integrity and transparency. IAIS’s values work in concert with the aim of conducting substantial and thought-provoking research.

IAIS researchers bring their academic excellence, policy expertise, judgment, and robust networks to their interdisciplinary research, analysis, and recommendations. IAIS organizes publications, lectures, conferences, and makes media appearances that aim to increase the knowledge, awareness, and salience of burning policy issues with policymakers, scholars and the interested public.

Leadership

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Dr. Akram Umarov

Dr. Akram Umarov

Director


Dr. Akram Umarov is the Director of IAIS and the First Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs of the University of World Economy and Diplomacy. Dr. Umarov has a great interest in security studies, conflict management, public diplomacy, Afghanistan, Central Asian studies, CIS countries and development. Before joining IAIS, Dr. Umarov was a Fulbright Visiting Scholar at the Center for Governance and Markets, University of Pittsburgh in the United States, a Senior Research Fellow at the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies and Academy of Public Administration under the President of Uzbekistan. Dr. Akram Umarov has earned an MA and PhD in International Relations from the University of World Economy and Diplomacy. He also received an MA degree in Governance, Development and Public Policy from the Institute of Development Studies, University of Sussex in the United Kingdom.
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Odil Gafarov

Odil Gafarov is a Deputy Director of the Institute for Advanced International Studies. His research interests include unconventional warfare, counter-terrorism, and China’s foreign policy and military strategy. He is a recognized security expert for the United Nations Office on Counter-terrorism (UNOCT), the European Commission, and other international organizations. Before pursuing his Ph.D. at Southern Illinois University, he coordinated projects in Uzbekistan on preventing violent extremism, including the rehabilitation and resocialization of repatriated Uzbek nationals from conflict zones. Previously, he managed youth development projects under the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. Odil holds an M.A. in Economics and Management from Peking University, an M.A. in International Relations from Renmin University of China, and a B.A. in International Relations from the University of World Economy and Diplomacy.

 

E-mail: odil.gafarov@iais.uz 

Administrative Staff

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Nurmatova Khusnorakhon

Ms. Nurmatova Khusnorakhon (Uzbekistan), 32 years old, Legal Adviser at the Institute for Advanced International Studies at the University of World Economy and Diplomacy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan. As part of this position, Ms. Nurmatova is responsible for strengthening the rule of law, compliance with legislation, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements in the activities of the Institute, and is also responsible for preparing opinions on legal issues, ensures participation in the development of internal regulatory documents, standard forms of contracts of the Institute and other legal documents. Prior to taking up her current position, Ms. Nurmatova worked and interned in various organizations, such as the National Center for Human Rights of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Institute for Monitoring Current Legislation under the Office of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Tashkent City Criminal Court, the Committee on Religious Affairs under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Law Firm "VASILA NUR", Limited Liability Company "LEGAL OWNER", Scientific and Practical Research Center "Oila" under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Ms. Nurmatova holds a Master's degree in International Law from the University of World Economy and Diplomacy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan (2013) and a Bachelor's degree in Jurisprudence from Tashkent Islamic University under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan (2011).
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Botirjon Ziyayev

Head of Administration Office



Botirjon Ziyayev is responsible for incoming and outgoing correspondence to the Institute of Advanced International Studies (IAIS). Before joining the IAIS, Botirjon worked at the Department of International Relations of the University of World Economy and Diplomacy,  as well as at the Higher School of Diplomacy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
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PR & Communication Manager

Mushtariy Usmonova

 

E-mail: mushtariy.usmonova@iais.uz

Science Council

Advisory Board