Turkey and Uzbekistan: A Failing Strategic Partnership

Expectations for Turkey’s part in opening Uzbekistan to economic dynamism and Western values had yet to be realized. Both sides had been guilty of missteps in parenting the relationship, but it was probably Uzbekistan’s strong suspicions about Turkey’s intentions that had served as the most powerful brake. Further, a fear of Islamic radicalization, and Turkey’s potential contribution to it, color all other parts of the state-to-state relationship. It was hard to see how problems could be addressed without Turkey and Uzbekistan understanding the benefits of a strong strategic partnership

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