Regional Diplomacy and Economic Cooperation: Examining Uzbekistan-Taliban Relations in the Post-2021 Afghan Geopolitical Landscape

Abstract

Uzbekistan’s diplomatic and economic engagement with the Taliban-led Afghanistan in the post-2021 geopolitical landscape highlights a strategic recalibration in Central Asia’s regional approach. This study examines the evolution of Uzbekistan-Taliban relations, focusing on economic cooperation, security concerns, and diplomatic engagement while contextualizing the broader regional implications. Uzbekistan has pursued a pragmatic policy of economic interdependence through trade agreements, infrastructure projects such as the Trans-Afghan Railway, and energy cooperation, to ensure stability and prevent spillover threats. This paper explores how Uzbekistan’s approach aligns with regional security concerns and the varied responses of Central Asian states—Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan—toward the Taliban regime. The study analyzes Uzbekistan’s geopolitical and economic foundations by employing Realism, Pragmatism in International Relations, Regional Security Complex Theory, and Economic Interdependence Theory. Methodologically, the research relies on qualitative analysis, incorporating official statements, economic data, policy reports, and expert assessments. The findings indicate that while economic cooperation may serve as a stabilizing factor, security risks, ideological divergences, and geopolitical uncertainties continue to shape regional dynamics. The study concludes with policy recommendations for fostering a balanced, pragmatic, and secure regional approach to Afghanistan.