In recent years, international migration processes have become closely linked to global geopolitical changes, and political and security issues have had a significant impact on the movement of citizens. The Middle East region, in particular, is at the center of complex political and security developments, making the issue of ensuring the safety of foreign citizens living or working in the region particularly urgent. In this regard, the measures taken by Uzbekistan to repatriate citizens from the Middle East can be recognized as one of the effective indicators of the state's consular policy and migration management system. According to official data, as of March 10, 2026, more than 25,000 citizens from the Middle East have been repatriated to Uzbekistan. In particular, more than 21,000 citizens from Saudi Arabia, more than 3,500 from the United Arab Emirates, as well as citizens from Iran, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman, were repatriated. This process once again confirms the direct link between global migration and geopolitical factors. The Middle East has long been a center of global political competition, representing a key point in international politics in terms of energy resources, strategic transport corridors, and geopolitical interests. This region is a destination for labor migration for many countries, and many foreign citizens work in the service, trade, and tourism sectors. Therefore, political changes in the region have a significant impact on migration flows. In modern international practice, consular diplomacy is an important tool in ensuring the safety of citizens, and the evacuation measures being implemented by Uzbekistan are a practical expression of this policy. The importance of coordinated cooperation between state bodies and international transport infrastructure and diplomatic relations is reflected in the repatriation of citizens. This demonstrates the state's ability to take quick and effective measures in emergencies. Today, the migration process is seen as a complex issue related not only to economic, but also to national security and social stability. The increase in the number of citizens living abroad requires states to more effectively manage migration processes. In recent years, Uzbekistan has implemented a wide range of reforms to regulate labor migration, protect the rights of migrants, and establish a safe migration system. At the same time, I believe that measures to repatriate citizens from the Middle East will be considered an important part of this policy. The digitization of consular services, the creation of a rapid communication system with migrants, and the strengthening of emergency preparedness mechanisms may become even more relevant in the future. In conclusion, the geopolitical situation in the Middle East directly affects global migration processes, and one of the main tasks of states is to ensure the safety and protection of their citizens abroad. The evacuation measures being implemented by Uzbekistan are an effective example of modern consular diplomacy and migration management and are emerging as an important area of ​​the state's foreign policy aimed at protecting the interests of its citizens. In the future, improving migration policy, ensuring safe labor migration for citizens, and developing consular services will remain priority areas of Uzbekistan's foreign policy. * 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.

Ongoing geopolitical tensions around the world are affecting continental trade routes of strategic importance to Central Asian states. The war in Ukraine, the largest modern crisis in Eurasia, continues to impact the dynamics of cargo transportation along the east-west axis, emphasizing the importance of a diverse approach to logistics organization. Uzbekistan is demonstrating maximum flexibility in this regard, striving to reduce the cost of export and import deliveries and ensure the most effective and ensure access to promising markets, including the European Union. In 2024, Uzbekistan’s foreign trade with EU countries amounted to $6.4 billion, marking a 5.2% increase. According to last year's results, the country’s top 20 trading partners included several European states, such as Germany, France, Switzerland, Italy and Poland, with a combined trade turnover of over $1.4 billion. The Northern Corridor, passing through Kazakhstan, Russia and Belarus, remains the optimal channel for Uzbekistan to deliver goods to the eurozone. In 2023, over 1 million tons of cargo were transported along the Uzbekistan-Kazakhstan-Russia-Belarus-EU railway route. One of the main transshipment hubs is the Małaszewicze railway terminal in Poland, where cargo from Central Asia arrives after crossing the Brest–Terespol checkpoint on the Belarusian–Polish border, before being delivered across Europe. This dry port, located along the Northern Corridor, handles over 90% of rail trade between the EU and China. In January 2026, the President of Uzbekistan instructed the government to consider creating a dedicated transport corridor for domestic carriers to Poland via Brest in Belarus. This is due to the need for the rapid delivery of perishable goods, primarily fruit and vegetables, to the European market. Meanwhile, Uzbek-Polish trade has declined in recent years due to high logistics costs and the introduction of restrictions related to security risks on routes to western direction using road transport. In 2025, bilateral trade turnover amounted to $383.7 million, compared to nearly $400 million the previous year. Reorienting freight traffic to railways going to Poland, Lithuania and Latvia, with subsequent transshipment of goods into containers or trucks, could significantly reduce the cost of transportation from Central Asia to Europe. However, this would require addressing current issues relating to the shortage of rolling stock and the complexity of customs procedures, which impact the efficiency of northern railway routes.  In order to boost mutual trade and develop their own transit potential, Uzbekistan and Poland are planning to establish joint logistics centers. One of these centers will be located in Mazovia, the largest transport hub in Eastern Europe. This will pave the way for Uzbekistan’s integration into European supply chains and expand the scope for the practical implementation of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement with the EU, which was signed in October 2025.   * 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.

The escalation of the situation in the Middle East poses an increased risk to Uzbekistan's ability to deliver goods to promising export markets, including Europe and South Asia, via effective routes. A month ago, the Uzbek Ministry of Transport proposed alternative transport routes to bypass problematic countries. These included routes through Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan. However, given that all three countries are currently experiencing active military conflict, the feasibility of transporting cargo through their territories is limited. This places Central Asian countries, which already face high transport costs in foreign trade due to their geographical distance from open seas, in an extremely difficult position. During the 12-day Iran-Israel war in the summer of 2025, Uzbekistan was forced to seek urgent alternatives to Iran’s southern ports, leading to a 30 per cent increase in logistics costs. The country is likely to incur even greater losses in the current situation due to the temporary need to deviate from both the Iranian and the Afghan-Pakistani transit, which would give it access to the Indian Ocean. In 2025, a total of 1.2 million tons of cargo was transported by Uzbekistan through Iran. Deliveries were made to Türkiye and Western countries. Meanwhile, Iranian ports handled over 330,000 tons of domestic cargo. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz severely restricts the movement of merchant ships, particularly oil tankers, along this important global transport and energy artery. Marine insurance within the Strait has not only become extremely expensive, but also difficult to obtain, leading to an 80% decline in transit shipping. All of this has a negative impact on the port of Bandar Abbas, the region's largest transport hub, which is located on the Iranian coast of the Persian Gulf. As a preventive measure, Iran's northern ports of Caspian and Anzali have ceased operations. Meanwhile, land trade routes remain active, including those crossing the Iranian-Turkmen border via the Sarakhs crossing. Iran also maintains transport links with Afghanistan via the Khaf-Herat railway line. Recently, the Afghan side announced that freight trains were running smoothly between the two cities.    Due to security threats to its southern flank, Uzbekistan has been forced to redirect cargo flows to longer and more complex routes. One option could be to use a combination of transport via the Strait of Gibraltar, the Mediterranean Sea, the Aegean Sea, the Sea of Marmara and the Black Sea, followed by railways in Russia and Kazakhstan. Another alternative option is the transport corridor Uzbekistan (Andijan)-Kyrgyzstan (Osh, Irkeshtam)-China (Kashgar, Urumqi)/Pacific ports of China. The Northern Railway Corridor to the EU also remains relevant. * 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.

China’s current foreign policy reflects the country’s adaptation to a transforming international system and its effort to secure a sustainable position within evolving global dynamics. As suggested by Chinese experts, the world is undergoing a transition toward a more complex and conflict-prone multipolar order, driven in part by intensifying strategic competition with the United States. In this context, the People’s Republic of China presents itself as a stabilizing actor advocating for the reform of global governance and for an enhanced role of the Global South. The primary instruments advancing this agenda are China’s major global initiatives, including the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative. Beijing emphasizes its rejection of imposing political models and underscores principles of sovereignty and mutual benefit. At the same time, the expansion of China’s institutional footprint through multilateral cooperation frameworks and financial mechanisms indicates a broader effort to shape alternative platforms for international engagement. Within this framework, relations with the Russian Federation remain an important dimension of China’s foreign policy. Beijing continues to develop bilateral economic cooperation while taking into account the prevailing international environment. Bilateral engagement is conducted with due consideration of existing international constraints and is oriented toward maintaining stable trade and economic ties. Alongside its relations with key partners, the Taiwan issue occupies a significant place in China’s foreign policy agenda. China consistently strengthens its position on this matter, combining military-political measures with diplomatic channels of communication. Discussions within Chinese expert and academic circles emphasize the importance of a calibrated approach that considers the potential economic and strategic implications of various scenarios. Accordingly, Beijing appears to favor a phased strategy that expands the range of policy instruments while preserving space for political and diplomatic resolution. Simultaneously, China has intensified its engagement in the Middle East, Africa, and more broadly across the Global South. Economic cooperation is increasingly complemented by elements of political and security interaction. The expansion of duty-free trade arrangements with African states, infrastructure initiatives, and energy agreements in the Gulf region contribute to strengthening China’s role as an alternative center of economic and diplomatic engagement. China is also expanding economic cooperation and political dialogue with the countries of Central Asia, viewing the region as a key component of the land-based corridors of the Belt and Road Initiative and as an important area for cooperation in defense and security. The growth of China’s involvement is accompanied by the development of trade and investment projects as well as institutional cooperation frameworks, creating additional opportunities for infrastructure modernization, logistics development, and economic growth in the region. At the same time, the long-term sustainability of such initiatives depends on their financial viability, transparency, and alignment with national development strategies. Ultimately, the current priorities of China’s foreign policy suggest an intention to expand its global presence without formally assuming the role of a traditional hegemonic leader. By combining economic instruments, institutional initiatives, and flexible diplomacy, China seeks to consolidate its position within a rapidly evolving international order. * 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.

By Zulkhayo Nishanova, Assistant teacher, UWED Rare earth metals comprise a group of 17 chemical elements used in the production of batteries, permanent magnets, electronics, renewable energy equipment, electric transport, and high-tech industries. These materials play an important role in the global energy transition, digitalization, and the development of modern industry. Global Market and Trends Global reserves of rare earth elements are unevenly distributed. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, a significant share of proven reserves is concentrated in a limited number of countries, including China, Brazil, India, and Australia. The modern market structure is shaped not only by raw material extraction, but also by processing, separation of elements, and the production of high value-added products. Participation in such value chains determines countries’ competitiveness in the global market. Demand for rare earth metals is steadily growing amid the development of green energy, electric mobility, and digital technologies. According to estimates by the International Energy Agency, this growth is structural and long-term in nature and is expected to intensify over the coming decades. Opportunities for Central Asia and Uzbekistan Countries of Central Asia possess promising mineral resource potential and benefit from a favorable geographic location between the markets of Europe and Asia. This creates preconditions for their deeper integration into international supply chains for critical minerals. Uzbekistan views the development of rare earth metals as one of the pillars of industrialization and economic diversification. Ongoing reforms in the field of subsoil use and improvements in the investment climate create favorable conditions for the implementation of projects in geological exploration, mining, and primary processing of raw materials. A prospective participation model envisages phased development: geological exploration and mining with the participation of international partners; establishment of primary processing and beneficiation capacities; in the medium term, localization of selected components manufacturing for the energy and industrial electronics sectors. International Partnerships Uzbekistan is expanding cooperation with a number of foreign partners in the field of critical minerals and processing technologies. Engagement with the European Union, the United States, and Japan is aimed at developing resilient supply chains, attracting investment, introducing environmental and social responsibility standards (ESG), and strengthening technological cooperation. Partnership projects are viewed as a tool to increase domestic value added and strengthen industrial capacity. Conditions for Sustainable Sector Development The development of the rare earth metals sector requires a comprehensive approach that includes: attracting long-term investment; developing processing and research & technological infrastructure; training qualified personnel; introducing modern environmental standards and mechanisms for public engagement. A balanced industrial policy helps avoid locking the country into the role of, exceptionally, a raw material supplier and creates conditions for gradual upgrading along the technological value chain. * 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.

The government of the Islamic Republic of Iran is considering launching a transport corridor between Iran, Afghanistan and China through Afghanistan’s Badakhshan province, which borders China's Xinjiang region. The project involves establishing a rail link between the cities of Herat and Mazar-i-Sharif, as well as the high-altitude Wakhan Valley on the Little Pamir, also known as the 'Roof of the World'. This area was once a central route of the Great Silk Road, which linked East and West. According to Iranian sources, the Wakhan Corridor would halve delivery times from China to Europe, providing a significant advantage over existing supply chains through Central Asian states such as Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan.   A year ago, Iran’s Ministry of Roads and Urban Development unveiled plans for the development of nine transit rail corridors, with an estimated cost of over $10 billion. Some of these cross Afghanistan, including the Five Nations Railway Corridor, which Tehran has promoted since the early 2000s. Another strategic priority appears to be a trans-Afghan corridor to China. Construction of the 225-kilometre Haf-Herat railway line, the first three sections of which were commissioned in 2020, marked the beginning of both projects. The final section is scheduled to open soon. On 22 October 2025, Tehran signed an agreement with Ankara and Kabul to jointly construct a 1,435 mm-gauge railway line from Herat to Mazar-i-Sharif. Iran will allocate an unprecedented $2.5 billion towards this project. The country subsequently intends to extend the railway to the Wakhan through the north-eastern province of Kunduz. Since 2023, Tehran has been negotiating this with the Afghan authorities. Meanwhile, the Taliban are taking practical steps to establish a direct transport link with China. In September 2023, work resumed using Afghan budget funds to gravel the 120-kilometre Wakhan Corridor to the Wakhjir Pass on the border with China, which began in 2019. By the end of 2025, the Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development reported that 70 per cent of the work had been completed. The Taliban have repeatedly appealed to Beijing for financial assistance to create transport infrastructure along the Wakhan Corridor, capitalizing on their eastern neighbor’s desire to include Afghanistan in the Belt and Road Initiative. However, due to security concerns, Chinese diplomacy is currently adopting a wait-and-see approach to opening the shared border for trade. Preference is instead given to establishing a link to Afghanistan through Pakistan, via the extension of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to Badakhshan, or through Central Asian countries. In the latter case, Tajikistan could strengthen its position as a transit hub by becoming a reliable conduit between China and Afghanistan. * 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.