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FOREIGN POLICY STRATEGY OF THE REPUBLIC OF TAJIKISTAN AMIDST GROWING GEOPOLITICAL COMPETITION (2015–2026)

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Salimov F.N.

Abstract

The article examines the foreign policy strategy of the Republic of Tajikistan following the adoption of the 2015 Foreign Policy Concept, against the backdrop of intensifying geopolitical competition in Central Asia and the increased activity of external platforms. The study aims to demonstrate that Tajikistan’s contemporary foreign policy course transcends the bounds of conventional multi-vectorism—which lacks functional differentiation—and is evolving into a form of adaptive-hierarchical multi-vectorism. In this model, external policy directions are distinguished by their functions: ensuring security, securing resources for development, regional stabilization, and strengthening international agency. The methodological framework comprises the analysis of official documents, a comparative-functional approach, the qualitative assessment of indicators, and the examination of key cases: the normalization of Tajik-Uzbek relations, the 2025 Tajik-Kyrgyz settlement, participation in the "EU–Central Asia," "China–Central Asia," and C5+1 formats, and water and climate initiatives. It is concluded that the resilience of Tajikistan’s foreign policy is determined by the state’s ability to distribute external functions, convert diplomatic achievements into domestic development resources, and reduce vulnerability through regional cooperation.

Keywords

Republic of Tajikistan; foreign policy; geopolitical competition; Central Asia; adaptive-hierarchical multi-vectorism, regional security; water and climate diplomacy; international agency

References

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Saturday, 17 October 2026

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