The discussion focused on current regional developments in Central Asia, the region’s evolving international role, and opportunities to expand academic and expert engagement between Uzbekistan and the United States.

The roundtable brought together faculty members, researchers, students, and experts working on Eurasia, international relations, regional security, and Central Asia’s ongoing transformation.

Participants discussed regional cooperation, the foreign policy diversification of Central Asian states, transport connectivity, water and climate security, Afghanistan, migration, education, and the role of universities and think tanks in shaping a deeper understanding of developments across the region.

Javlon Vakhabov oted that building sustainable relations between Uzbekistan and the United States requires not only political dialogue and economic projects, but also a strong academic foundation. He emphasized that universities, research centers, and young specialists play an important role in developing a long-term understanding of the region, moving beyond outdated perceptions of Central Asia, and creating an intellectual basis for more substantive cooperation between the two countries.

For his part, Guntis Šmidchens, Director of the Center for European, Russian, and Eurasian Studies at the University of Washington, highlighted the growing interest of the U.S. academic community in Central Asia and the contemporary processes unfolding in the region. He noted that Uzbekistan occupies an important place in the study of Eurasia’s political, historical, cultural, and social transformations, while direct dialogue with Uzbek research institutions helps broaden the academic agenda and make it more substantive and up to date.

Particular attention was given to opportunities for cooperation between IICA and the University of Washington, including joint research, expert seminars, guest lectures, analytical publications, the exchange of research materials, and opportunities for internships and the involvement of young researchers in the study of Central Asia.