Personality Matters: a New Approach to Studying Foreign Policy Making in Uzbekistan

Abstract The recent political transformations in Central Asia have sparked a new discourse attributing positive regional developments to the political will and personality traits of Central Asian leaders. Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s pivotal role in fostering regional rapprochement serves as a prominent example. Political analysts highlight Mirziyoyev’s adoption of a soft power approach and emphasis on economic diplomacy as key factors driving Uzbekistan’s foreign policy shift. In the light of this shift, the present article seeks to delve into Uzbekistan’s changing foreign policy trajectory by examining the cognitive dimensions of decision-making, particularly focusing on Mirziyoyev’s leadership traits. Through Leadership Trait Analysis ( LTA ), the study transcends conventional explanations centered on geopolitical and domestic considerations. Given Uzbekistan’s personalistic leadership style, LTA provides an interesting perspective for understanding foreign policy dynamics, not only within Uzbekistan but also across other Central Asian nations characterized by leader-dominated approaches. The focus on Uzbekistan as a case study promises to enrich scholarly understanding by offering insights into the interplay between leadership attributes and foreign policy outcomes. By extending this analysis to other Central Asian leaders, researchers can construct comprehensive leadership profiles to elucidate broader political trends in the region. Ultimately, this research contributes to a nuanced understanding of the drivers behind Central Asia’s evolving geopolitical landscape, paving the way for informed policy discourse and strategic decision-making in regional affairs.

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