FROM DOUBLY LANDLOCKED TO LAND-LINKED: THE ROLE OF MULTI-VECTORISM IN UZBEKISTAN’S CONNECTIVITY STRATEGY
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/Keywords:
Uzbekistan; doubly landlocked country; multi-vectorism; geographical constraints;Abstract
As a doubly landlocked country, Uzbekistan has faced several challenges related to restricted connectivity, limited access to global markets, and transportation costs. This article analyzes the role of multi-vectorism in mitigating the effects of Uzbekistan’s geographical constraints.( Adilovich,2025). To achieve this, the article adopts a qualitative case-study approach, drawing on sources including government documents, reports from international organizations, and the CKU and UAP connectivity projects. Findings suggest that multi-vectorism can offer several benefits, such as diversifying connectivity, reducing dependence on individual routes, and facilitating access to different international markets. However, it does not eliminate dependence on transit countries and remains subject to geopolitical tensions. Overall, multi-vectorism helps Uzbekistan manage and mitigate, rather than completely eliminate, the geographical disadvantages associated with its double-landlocked position.
References
1. Pikalov, A. (2014). Uzbekistan between the great powers: A balancing act or a multi-vectorial approach? Central Asian Survey, 33(3), 297–311. https://doi.org/10.1080/02634937.2014.930580
2. World Bank. (n.d.). [World Bank document]. World Bank document
3. SpecialEurasia. (2025, July 23). Uzbekistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan railway project. SpecialEurasia article
4. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan. (n.d.). Curtain raiser: Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister to visit Afghanistan for signing of framework agreement on joint feasibility study of UAP railway project. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan
5. OECD. (2025). Enhancing the competitiveness of the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor in Central Asia: The Kyrgyz Republic. OECD report
6. President of the Republic of Uzbekistan. (n.d.). [Official presidential publication]. President of Uzbekistan
7. Novastan. (n.d.). China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway: Central Asia trade route. Novastan article
8. Kaktus Media. (n.d.). Sadyr Japarov gave the start to the construction of the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway. Kaktus Media article
9. World Bank. (n.d.). [Duplicate of Reference 2]. World Bank document
10. International Journal of Public Sector and Organizational Research. (n.d.). [Article]. Journal article
11. Political and Economic Law. (n.d.). [Article]. Journal article
12. Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan. (n.d.). The multidimensional foreign policy of New Uzbekistan. ISRS — The Multidimensional Foreign Policy of New Uzbekistan
13. The Times of Central Asia. (n.d.). China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan Railway: What It Means for Central Asia. The Times of Central Asia article
14. The Times of Central Asia. (n.d.). China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan Railway: What It Means for Central Asia. The China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway (CKU railway), also known as the Kashgar–Andijan railway line, is a major regional infrastructure project.
15. UzDaily.uz. (n.d.). Pakistan’s Prime Minister calls “Uzbekistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan” railway a breakthrough regional project. UzDaily.uz article
16. National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan. (n.d.). GEF: Uzbekistan strengthens its role in international environmental policy. National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change of Uzbekistan