Challenges of Uzbekistan’s Participation in Russia’s Integration Initiatives

Abstract

The article considers the challenges that hinder Uzbekistan’s participation in the Eurasian Economic Union and the Eurasian Development Bank. Th e experience of the Central Asian republic’s membership in various economic unions is analyzed, and the basic principles that guide Uzbekistan when deciding on participation in regional unions and international financial organizations are identified. In this regard, based on the results of the assessment of the republic’s external sector statistics in recent years and the institutional features of the initiatives promoted by Russia, it is concluded that Uzbekistan might seek to limit cooperation with Russia in multilateral formats to solving a small range of issues.