The article from Penn Today profiles Alexander Schrier, a senior student at the University of Pennsylvania, and his research on Uzbekistan’s evolving role in global geopolitics. Schrier is a Non-resident Research Fellow at the Institute for Advanced International Studies (IAIS). His scholarly interests encompass international relations, technological competitions, and economics, with a special focus on Central Asia’s multi-vector foreign policy. The piece highlights how his academic focus was shaped by early interactions with peers from Afghanistan and the geopolitical shifts following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. His senior thesis, “Reigniting the 'Silk Road Spirit' and the New Age of Central Asian Diplomacy”, explores how Uzbekistan is positioning itself in a changing world order, particularly in balancing relations between major powers like the United States, China, and Russia.
IAIS commends Schrier’s dedication to in-depth research on Central Asia, recognizing his work as a valuable contribution to understanding the region’s strategic developments. During his summer research trip to Uzbekistan, Schrier engaged with a range of individuals to gain firsthand insights into the country’s foreign policy dynamics. His research reflects a growing academic focus on Central Asia’s role in international affairs, particularly as countries in the region seek to assert their independence while navigating complex geopolitical pressures.
