The failure of reform in Uzbekistan: ways forward for the international community

It notes that Uzbekistan occupies a key strategic position in Central Asia and has a strong security relationship with the U.S. but its political system is highly repressive and its economy has reformed little since Soviet times. Economic decline and political sclerosis threaten internal stability and undermine regional security.

The report argues that the U.S., the EU and international financial institutions must begin to shift policies: reducing lending and assistance to the central government, while increasing engagement with society and the private sector. It concludes with recommendations to the Uzbek government on human rights issues and economic reform.