Politics of Uzbekistan now and 2050 year Introduction: The Changing Political Landscape of Uzbekistan

2. Uzbekistan's Political History: From Soviet Republic to Independent State
Uzbekistan's political history has been marked by a series of notable events, beginning with its time under 
the Soviet Union. When the former USSR broke up in 1991, Uzbekistan became an independent state, and 
its leadership quickly established a centralized government to exert control over the country. President 
Islam Karimov, who had been in power since before independence, maintained strict control over political 
and civic life, suppressing opposition groups and stifling free speech. This heavy-handed approach to 
governing continued until Karimov's death in 2016, at which point his successor, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, 
took steps to loosen restrictions on political and social freedoms. Mirziyoyev's policies have been greeted 
with cautious optimism by observers who hope to see greater democratic progress in Uzbekistan in the 
years to come.
Furthermore, the issue of corruption in Uzbekistan remains a significant challenge that needs to be 
addressed by the government. Despite some efforts made by the administration to combat corruption, the 
problem still exists at various levels of governance, hindering the country's development and economic 
growth. The Uzbek government needs to implement rigorous measures to eradicate corruption, such as 
strict enforcement of penalties for corrupt behavior, establishment of an independent body to investigate 
corruption cases, and promoting a culture of transparency and accountability in governance. Failure to 
tackle this issue may lead to further political instability, hinder economic development, and undermine the 
legitimacy of the government. Therefore, it is essential for the Uzbek government to prioritize combating 
corruption as a key aspect of their policy making and implementation.
3. Current Political System of Uzbekistan: Power Dynamics and Key Players
The current political system of Uzbekistan is characterized by authoritarianism, which is maintained 
through the dominance of the ruling party, the Uzbekistan Liberal Democratic Party (UzLiDeP), and 

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the concentration of power in the hands of the President. The key players within the political system 
include President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, who assumed office in 2016 following the death of his predecessor 
Islam Karimov, and the oligarch class, which consists of powerful businessmen who possess significant 
economic and political influence. The political system is also permeated by widespread corruption, which 
is endemic in Uzbekistan’s business and political spheres. This has contributed to a lack of political 
accountability, as well as a lack of transparency and openness. As such, the current political system 
of Uzbekistan does not exhibit a strong commitment to democratic principles, but rather prioritizes the 
interests of the ruling elite above those of the broader population.
Furthermore, the Uzbekistani government has also prioritized the development of infrastructure to 
improve economic growth and increase employment opportunities. Their focus on transportation infra-
structure, particularly the development of rail and roads, has enhanced connectivity within the country and 
to neighboring countries. This has also led to increased trade and investment, as Uzbekistan is seen as a 
strategic partner and a gateway to Central Asia. Additionally, the government has launched various initia-
tives and programs aimed at supporting small and medium-sized businesses, further promoting economic 
growth and diversification. Overall, Uzbekistan's proactive policies towards economic development have 
positioned the country as a key player in the region and have the potential to drive growth and prosperity 
for years to come.
4. Challenges Facing Uzbekistan's Political System: Corruption, Human Rights, and Economic Inequality
In addition to a lack of democratic accountability and political freedom, Uzbekistan faces significant 
challenges to its political system related to issues of corruption, human rights, and economic inequality. 
Uzbekistan's rank as one of the most corrupt countries in the world, coupled with a lack of transparency 
and accountability, has contributed to a culture of impunity among political elites and widespread dissat-
isfaction among the population. Human rights violations, including restrictions on freedom of expression, 
assembly and religion, and persecution of political opposition, remain a significant challenge to the 
country's political legitimacy, as does the country's failure to address entrenched economic inequality and 
poverty that has resulted in a large percentage of the population living below the poverty line. Addressing 
these challenges will require significant institutional change, including efforts to strengthen the rule of 
law, promote transparency, bolster civil society, and increase economic opportunities and social welfare 
for all citizens.
The population of Uzbekistan has been rising steadily in recent years, with a current estimate of over 33 
million people. The government has implemented various policies to address the needs of its citizens, 
including education and healthcare programs. However, human rights issues such as restrictions on 
freedom of speech and assembly continue to be a concern. In order to address these issues, it is necessary 
for Uzbekistan to continue opening up to the international community and engaging in meaningful 
dialogue with civil society organizations. Additionally, the government must prioritize the establishment 
of independent media outlets and a fair and impartial judiciary system. By taking these steps, Uzbekistan 
can pave the way for a more democratic and prosperous future for its citizens.