On 10 September this year, the first televised debate between presidential candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump took place in the United States of America. In this regard, IAIS researcher Islomkhon Gafarov took part in the programme “Geopolitics” of the information and analytical agency Kun.uz and gave an expert assessment of the results of these debates.   In the opinion of most editions, the Democrat candidate K. Harris won the debate, but, according to the expert, the political equality between the candidates has been preserved. Islomkhon Gafarov added that Harris focused on the middle class and small business, while Trump expressed his opinion on migration in his speech. In addition, the candidates highlighted geopolitical processes in Europe, the Middle East, East Asia and Afghanistan, as well as the role of the US in overcoming these challenges. The expert regarded this debate not just as a struggle between the two candidates, but as a struggle between the ideas of internationalism of the Democrats and isolationism of the Republicans.

Tashkent, Uzbekistan – 13 September 2024. On 4-5 September 2024, Tashkent became the focal point for two critical regional security dialogues: the 10th International Conference of the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (RATS SCO) and the 2nd Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) Conference on Combating Terrorism and Extremism. These high-level gatherings brought together leading experts, security officials, and policymakers from member states to address escalating security challenges in the region, with a particular focus on Afghanistan.   During the conferences, Chairman of the State Security Service of Uzbekistan, Abdusalom Azizov, underscored the urgent need for collaboration with Afghanistan in its ongoing struggle against the Khorasan Province, an affiliate of the Islamic State in Afghanistan notorious for its transnational extremist operations. This statement implicitly conveyed a recognition that the Taliban has yet to establish comprehensive control over the country’s security apparatus, signalling an enduring vulnerability within Afghan borders.   Reflecting on this during an interview broadcast by Kun.uz, Hamza Boltaev, Head of the Centre for Afghanistan and South Asian Studies at IAIS, highlighted the complexities surrounding security cooperation with Afghanistan under the current Taliban leadership. According to him, formal recognition of the Taliban’s authority remains a prerequisite for any substantial collaboration on counterterrorism measures. In the absence of official diplomatic ties, interactions between Afghanistan and its regional neighbours have been confined to dialogue, with no tangible outcomes or concerted follow-up actions. The expert further elaborated, noting that discussions on security are no longer optional but a pressing necessity driven by the evolving geopolitical landscape. In his words, “talking about security is a requirement of the time”, reinforcing the need for immediate and coordinated responses to the threats posed by extremist factions like the Khorasan Province.

Islomkhon Gafarov, an expert at the Institute for Advanced International Studies, recently participated in the “International View” (“Xalqaro nigoh”) programme on the Uzbekistan 24 TV channel, where he provided insightful commentary on the forthcoming debates between U.S. presidential candidates. During the discussion, he highlighted the significance of these debates, which are not only a platform for candidates to present their policy proposals but also offer an opportunity to scrutinize their stance on key international issues. With the U.S. playing a pivotal role in global geopolitics, the candidates’ positions on foreign policy will be closely examined.   Mr. Gafarov emphasized that U.S. policy towards Central Asia, particularly Uzbekistan, is undergoing a period of transformation. Historically, the region was viewed primarily through the lenses of security, counterterrorism, and energy interests. However, recent global geopolitical shifts have prompted a recalibration of these priorities. The evolving multipolar world order, the strategic significance of China's Belt and Road Initiative, and Russia's continued presence in the region have all contributed to reshaping U.S. engagement in Central Asia.   In this changing landscape, U.S. policy has become more nuanced, with an increasing focus on economic development, digital infrastructure, and regional connectivity. Gafarov noted that Uzbekistan, as a key player in Central Asia, has benefitted from this shift, with U.S. diplomacy placing greater emphasis on supporting the country’s modernization efforts, fostering economic cooperation, and promoting regional stability. As the U.S. presidential candidates outline their foreign policy agendas, their approach to Central Asia will likely reflect this broader shift, moving beyond traditional concerns to embrace new forms of partnership that align with Uzbekistan’s own evolving role on the global stage.

Expert of the Institute for Advanced International Studies Islomkhon Gafarov took part in the “International View” programme of the Uzbekistan 24 TV channel and shared his opinion on the election process in the United States of America.   The researcher noted that at the National Convention of the US Democratic Party, held on August 19-22, issues of economics, internal security and foreign policy of the state were discussed, as well as events dedicated to the place and role of the United States in the world were held.

On 14 August 2024, the InfoBRICS portal published an interview with IAIS Associate Research Fellow Odil Gafarov on the pairing of BRICS and SCO in the international arena.   The expert expressed his opinion on the activities of the two organisations, including their fundamental differences beyond the regional scope. Moreover, the contribution of the organisations to maintaining the multipolarity of the system of international relations was emphasised.   The BRICS and SCO member states‘ advantages over Western countries, prospects for strengthening their interaction and cooperation were analysed, and the most important areas for improving the organisations’ effectiveness were highlighted.   Read the full interview

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida was supposed to visit Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan this week and hold the Central Asia + Japan summit. But due to the threat of a tsunami in the Land of the Rising Sun, he postponed his trip. So, what is Tokyo’s desire to become more active in Central Asia?   According to Mekhriniso Abdurasulova, Head of the Japanese Studies Programme, Japan is providing politically selfless assistance to the region. Last year, when Japan hosted the G7 summit, China brought together Central Asian leaders. At that time, members of Prime Minister Kishida’s party spoke of the need to review Tokyo’s ties with Central Asia. After these events, the Japanese Prime Minister was preparing for the visit.   Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova’s statement commenting on Kishida’s visit reflects Moscow’s view of the summit. Zakharova argued that Japan and Central Asia are not united by economic interests, that Western ideas are being introduced into the region through Japan, and that the US is trying to weaken the positions of Russia and China in Central Asia. Japan is opening the door to labour migration for Uzbeks, Mekhriniso Abdurasulova said. Because here, unlike in Russia, migrants’ rights are protected by law, they are not discriminated against and are treated as equal Asians, the Japanese scholar said.   * The Institute for Advanced International Studies (IAIS) does not take institutional positions on any issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the IAIS.