ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book shows how a particular set of promises, slogans and attitudes became the pillars upon which Uzbekistan's international role was shaped – a role which then affected Tashkent's 25-year relations with Russia, the United States, Germany and Turkey. It addresses the making of Uzbekistan's general foreign policy and its corresponding effects outside Central Asia, particularly at the highest level, among state officials, heads of state and ministers. The book focuses on a particular side of international politics. It also addresses the origins of Uzbekistani self-reliance. The book demonstrates that, as an international role, self-reliance was constituted gradually during Karimov's initial tenure in office from 1989. It demonstrates that the role incompatibilities between Moscow and Tashkent were sometimes pervasive, especially when the Russian government was unable to treat the government of Uzbekistan as an equal.
