United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to arrive in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, on Saturday for meetings with regional ministers ahead of the C5+1 summit, which will run until Tuesday. This summit marks a shift in Washington’s approach to Central Asia, focusing on pragmatic and transactional relationships, rather than discussions on democracy and human rights.
Following the Soviet Union’s collapse in 1991, the US and its European allies were frequently present in this mostly Muslim region, promoting capitalist reforms and political changes. However, their insistence on democratic ideals often drove local leaders towards alliances with Russia and China, particularly when they faced criticism or sanctions for extending presidential terms or consolidating power.
Uzbekistan is a prime example of this trend, as its former President Islam Karimov allowed a US military base in 2001 but expelled it four years later after international condemnation of his violent response to protests in Andijan.
With Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, perceptions have shifted. Moscow has maintained influence through cultural ties and has employed its sovereignty to reshape narratives in Central Asia. Observers note that Russia now uses moralising rhetoric, a role previously held by the West.
In contrast, the Trump administration, which has shifted towards a more business-oriented foreign policy, pays little attention to human rights issues in the region. Rubio’s upcoming visit comes at a time when the US aims to increase its influence in Central Asia, with interests in military presence and access to rare-earth minerals critical for technology production.
There is a growing concern from human rights advocates that the prioritisation of geopolitical interests over democratic values mirrors established authoritarian regimes in the region. As the US looks to reshape its involvement, many are calling for a renewed focus on human rights amidst these strategic discussions.
