Introduction

This report presents a comprehensive analysis of Uzbekistan's sovereignty using the methodology of the Burke Institute. Sovereignty is assessed in 7 areas: political, economic, technological, informational, cultural, cognitive and military. Each aspect is assessed on the basis of official data from international and national sources (UN, World Bank, UNESCO, IMF, ITU, FAO, SIPRI, PISA, etc.) without using politicized indexes. The maximum score in each direction is 100; the sum (up to 700) is the accumulated Sovereignty Index (Burke Index).

To adapt and adjust statistical parameters, an international expert survey was conducted for each of the seven components using a single questionnaire of 10 questions with a 10-point scale and one open-ended question.

In total, at least 100 experts from 50+ countries were interviewed for each indicator, taking into account geographical representation and specialization. When calculating and analyzing the data, equalizing coefficients were used, bringing all data to a scale of 0-10 points.

The final index value is the arithmetic mean between statistical data and expert estimates.

Below is an analysis in each area, a summary table and the main conclusions about the peculiarities of Uzbekistan's sovereignty.

Political sovereignty — 56.7

Member of the UN, OSCE, CIS, SCO, Turkic Council, Islamic Conference, International Financial Institutions (IMF, World Bank, Asian Development Bank); WTO accession is being finalized (expected 2025-2026). According to the Constitution (Articles 15, 2023): the supremacy of the Constitution and laws of Uzbekistan, however, international treaties that have been ratified, are implemented directly (monodualism); selective priority practice is a “soft priority", implementation is carried out by separate laws.

WGI (“Political Stability 2023"): -0.15 (2023, above the Central Asian average, but below the global average); GPI peace Index — 60th out of 163 (2025), stability due to reforms and modernization, absence of civil conflicts, but maintaining a controlling management style.

Government Effectiveness -0.28 (2023, 38th percentile), strong reforms of public administration and digitalization were noted, but corruption and a “manual” personnel regime for large projects remain.

EGDI — 0.722 (2022): intermediate level, e-gov, “MyGov.uz ” public services, electronic medicine, tax, education and EdTech platforms are widespread, but below advanced solutions. President Mirziyoyev has high support according to official polls (77-81%), real independent estimates are 34-46%; the opposition is poorly institutionalized, pluralism is limited, and political competition is truncated.

There are no foreign military bases, international exercises are limited, military cooperation is in the “non—aligned” format (the long-term presence of the United States has been discontinued since 2005, the Russian Federation - until 2012), military policy is neutrality.

Ratifies the jurisdiction of international courts (ICC, MNC, human rights and investment courts), participates in the consideration of cases within the UN structure, implements key human rights agreements. The state is unitary, the role of regional khokims (governors) has been strengthened, regional budgets are being reformed and the powers of mahallas (quarterly public councils) are being expanded, and there is a movement towards a greater distribution of powers, but centralization still prevails.

The State Security Service and the Ministry of Internal Affairs are managed directly by the president, parliamentary control is formally implemented, but “in reality” it is weak; special services are being reformed, strong influence on judges, cases of pressure on activists and journalists remain.

Data completeness assessment: the main indicators are available from international sources, the coverage is 87%.

Economic sovereignty — 55.4

GDP per capita at purchasing power parity (PPP) in 2024 ranges from 10,450 to 11,879 USD, according to estimates from various sources. The global average is $27,291, which means Uzbekistan is below average. Total international reserves (currency and gold) reached 43.1–49.2 billion dollars for November 2024 — May 2025. Gold — about 373 tons, foreign exchange reserves — more than 9.2 billion dollars. The national debt in 2024 is approximately 35% of GDP, and the forecast for the end of 2025 is 36.7% of GDP.

The total external debt (including corporate debt) is about 64.1 billion dollars, or 55.7% of GDP. In 2024, the gross grain harvest amounted to 8 million tons, which is 10% higher than the average over the past five years.

Reforms aimed at sustainable agriculture and self-sufficiency in basic products are being implemented. Uzbekistan is traditionally an exporter of natural gas, but since 2023 it has become a net importer due to falling production and rising demand. The lack of gas production poses risks to energy independence and increases dependence on supplies from Russia.

It ranks 4th in the world in gold reserves (184 million ounces), 10th in gas (up to 187 trillion m3 of proven reserves), 16th in uranium (139.2 thousand tons) and large copper reserves, with 44.7 million tons of copper. Coal reserves amount to 1.9 billion tons, and most of the subsurface is only partially explored.

The main sources of water are transboundary rivers (80% comes from outside). Freshwater resources: internal reserves are about 18.5 km3, 7.7 km3 is allowed to be used per year; per capita — 531 m3 in 2014 (one of the lowest rates in the region). Water resources are limited; stress level is 138% of consumption to reserves. The center of the national processing system is HUMO, managed by the Central Bank.

HUMO is integrated with international systems (Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay), and is actively developing nationwide. In calculations between Uzbekistan and Russia, the share of national currencies (soums and rubles) reached 55-58% by mid-2023 and continues to grow. This trend is supported by states to reduce dependence on the dollar.

The issuing Center is the Central Bank of the Republic of Uzbekistan.The Bank implements credit policy, currency regulation, development of processing and national payment systems.

Data completeness assessment: the main macroeconomic indicators are available from official sources (World Bank, IMF), coverage is 89%

Technological sovereignty — 43.6

In 2025, R&D expenditures in Uzbekistan amount to 0.13–0.16% of GDP (about $170-200 million), according to the World Bank and the State Statistical Committee. This is significantly lower than the global average (about 0.45%). Over 8 years, the amount of import substitution projects in industry has reached $25 billion (especially auto, electronics, pharma, IT), localization in the car — up to 50%, instrument engineering — 20-30%.

Flagship technology parks (Chirchik, Yashnabad, and Andijan) with foreign partners, the share of localized products is growing. By 2024/2025, higher education coverage will be 41% (an increase of 5.4 times since 2015).

There are 1.43 million students in total, 782,000 are women. At the beginning of 2025, 32.7 million people (89% of the population) use the Internet; mobile penetration is 92.2%, households — 93.3%. The average mobile Internet speed is 37.8 Mbit/s, fixed — 79.1 Mbit/s; 94% of users are connected to 3G/4G/5G.

Large-scale platforms have been created: EPIG (Unified Portal of Public Services), my.gov.uz — 307 digital services, in addition: Uzum Market, Payme, Click, UZCARD, Kitob.uz, Talim.uz, Edu Market — e-commerce, fintech, education. About 78 e-commerce platforms are operated by the national cloud solutions and a stateowned digital hub. The share of high-tech imports in exports is >70-80% (PCs, telecom, appliances, pharma). Chips, sophisticated electronics, and patents are almost entirely imported, with localization increasing only in basic segments (motors, simple components).

70% of public services are provided digitally, according to the strategy "Digital Uzbekistan – 2030"; according to the UN e-Government Index — 43rd place (+37 positions in 5 years). Gosportal serves up to 1.3 million active users, and the number of services is growing annually.

The biotech sector operates locally, producing vaccines (influenza, covid), drugs, bioenzymes, components for agriculture and medicine; most of the raw materials and equipment are imported. Important partners are Turkey, China, and the Russian Federation; R&D on breeding and bioenzymes is underway.

Robotics is developing — the production of simple automation for factories (in the automotive, electronics, and food industries) has begun; industrial robots and automation systems are partially localized, but key components are imported. National Projects for the agricultural, auto, and industrial sectors are being implemented jointly with China, Russia, and Turkey.

Full dependence on imports — chips for electronics, communications, and industry are produced only in China/Southeast Asia, there are no own factories or production facilities. It is possible to assemble the simplest components in technoparks, but there is no technological autonomy yet either in chips or advanced microelectronics.

Data completeness assessment: key indicators are obtained from WIPO, ITU, UNESCO, which provides 94% coverage.

Information sovereignty — 55.2

In 2025, Uzbekistan is in the T2 Advancing category according to ITU, scored 89.2 points in the Global Cybersecurity Index (progress against 2021). The official CERT is functioning – the CERT-CBU Cybersecurity Center at the Central Bank, the Uzbek CERT is included in the list of ITU national CIRTs. In April 2025, presidential decree PQ-153 was adopted, significantly tightening the cybersecurity regime, especially for banks and payment systems.

As of September 2025, there are 2 active IXPs operating in the country, the share of local peer–to-peer is 8.93%. The share of Internet users has exceeded 93% of households, broadband is widely deployed, and the introduction of 5G continues. Uzbektelecom is the main operator (83% of fixed access), and there is still competition in the mobile segment. Leading agencies work in Uzbek.: “Kun.uz”, “Daryo.uz”, Turon24, etc., Telegram's audience is 99%, mostly in Uzbek.

Financing of the state media holding MTRK has been increased (881.3 billion soums in 2025, an increase of 58.5% per year), and a policy of stimulating national content is underway. YouTube (60%) and Telegram (99%) dominate the market as the main information distribution channels. Huawei is actively involved in digital transformation, participating in infrastructure projects “Safe City", “AI Academy” and local production with Chinese companies (computers, motherboards). Initiatives have been launched to develop national platforms, including proposals to create a national AI model (digital sovereignty).

National media produce competitive content; the share of domestic news resources among the top in the market is Kun.uz, Daryo.uz, UzA. The Internet is the main media consumption channel: 95% of adult users regularly consume local news and entertainment content, Telegram has become the main local platform. There are over 12,000 IT companies operating in the country, the sector has grown 1.8 times in 5 years, and the IT Park actively supports the export of IT services. In 2025, 132 export-oriented companies entered the IT Park in March-April alone (the total ecosystem coverage is up to 1,639 new jobs).

Leaders: Pro-Data (cloud), Intelligent Solutions (fintech), software products for government services and the banking industry. 16.5 million digital public services were provided in the first half of 2025 alone. The Internet covers more than 95% of the population, 100% 4G coverage, and the massive introduction of digital services through state portals and OneID. The number of digital platforms and services for businesses, citizens, and education is growing every year.

A public national cloud platform based on Huawei Cloud Stack has been launched, is used for government data, and implements strict “on premise" storage.Pro-Data is a local leader in cloud data, the infrastructure is PCI DSS certified, and it also works for banks, government agencies, and large retailers.

The President gave instructions on the development of cloud data centers for storing personal data, including designing their own and legal innovations. All major operators are subject to national regulation; the Law on Telecommunications (2025) is in force, limits external influence, and gives priority to national infrastructure.

The main players are Uzbektelecom (fixed line), Ucell (5G), Beeline Uzbekistan, mobile load — 92% coverage, development of the national mobile platform. The sector is being liberalized, and operators have been granted direct access to international networks with the requirement of information security control. The national law “On Personal Data” (2019, as amended in 2025) is in force, and the requirements for the storage and processing of personal data are being tightened.

Banks and IT companies are required to store personal data on the territory of the country or in officially certified clouds. The National Digital Platforms Regulator is implementing standards that are closer to European personal data standards.

Data completeness assessment: infrastructure indicators are available from ITU, CIRA, OECD and specialized sources, coverage is 90%.

Cultural sovereignty — 76.7

There are 7 UNESCO sites in Uzbekistan.: Ichan-Kala (Khiva), the historical centers of Bukhara, Samarkand, Shakhrisabz, the Western Tien Shan, the Turanian deserts and the Zarafshan-Karakum corridor. More than 30 sites are on the tentative list of UNESCO. Great figures of the Middle Ages: Al-Khorezmi (mathematics, algebra), Ibn Sina (medicine, philosophy), Ulugbek (astronomy) — internationally recognized scientists who contributed to global science and education.

Samarkand as a center of cultural intersection, architecture and Islamic art of Uzbekistan are recognized all over the world. The main prize is “Yangi Uzbekiston yulduzlari” (“New Uzbekistan Stars"), awarded annually to the best figures of theater, music, fine arts, folklore, etc., with a total of 20 nominations. There are state titles and awards (“Honored Artist of Uzbekistan").

More than 84% of the population are ethnic Uzbeks, 97% of Uzbeks identify themselves as adherents of Sunni Islam. The country has traditionally maintained respect for linguistic, religious, and ethnocultural diversity (for example, preserving the roles of Russian, Tajik, Karakalpak, and Kazakh schools and the media).

The policy of equality and support is implemented through festivals, interethnic centers, educational and cultural programs. The linguistic and cultural rights of small ethnic groups are officially enshrined in Karakalpakstan. The state encourages the preservation of traditions of all ethnic groups of the country.

According to official data, as of August 2025, 8,210 objects of tangible cultural heritage were registered (7,827 of them were state—owned, 383 were private). This includes archaeological, architectural, monumental monuments, museums, and places of interest. Example: The Bukhara Biennale (2025), an international art event attracting artists and curators from more than 40 countries, positions Uzbekistan as the center of contemporary culture in the region. Opening of the CCA Center for Contemporary Art in Tashkent with international residencies.

Uzbekistan actively participates in international exhibitions (Expo 2025 in Osaka) and the dialogue of cultures. Uzbekistan is branding its cultural and gastronomic traditions internationally (lobbying for pilaf, Uzbek carving, weaving and other crafts at exhibitions and competitions). Projects are being implemented with UNESCO and other international organizations to protect sites — legislation has been introduced to protect brands and intangible heritage.

Uzbek cuisine is one of the most famous in Central Asia: pilaf, samsa, lagman, shurpa, local breads and desserts. Representatives of different nations participate in gastronomic events, and culinary diversity is part of the cultural identity of the country. There are 14,000 active enterprises in the creative economy sector in the country; about 100,000 people are involved.

The growth of cultural events, international projects and tourism (in 2025, 4.2 million foreign tourists were registered in six months). The level of everyday cultural participation is growing through festivals, museums, art platforms, and mass celebrations.

Data completeness assessment: basic indicators are available in UNESCO and national statistics, coverage is 87%.

Cognitive sovereignty — 62.4

In 2025, Uzbekistan's HDI is 0.740–0.750 (in the category of countries with a “high level of development”), 107th place among 193 countries. Over the past 20 years, the index has grown by 22.7%. By region: Tashkent — up to 0.840, regions — from 0.730 to 0.780. In 2025, education spending is estimated at 5.5% of GDP and 21-22% of all government spending.

The total amount of state financing of the education sector increased by +20% compared to 2024; the Ministry of School Education will receive 59.5 trillion soums, universities — more than 45.8% of all educational expenses. Uzbekistan has almost complete adult literacy — 100% among the population over the age of 15, according to the World Bank and UNESCO.

In the latest PISA-2022 ranking (mathematics — 364, natural sciences — 355, reading — 336 points), which is lower than the OECD average (a gap of ~100+ points). Uzbekistan ranks 72nd out of 81 countries in PISA 2022, with 19% of students reaching the “basic level” (Level 2) in mathematics, the proportion with a high score (Level 5 and above) is <1%. In 2025, the state participates in PISA again, after the identified gaps, the reform of the school system has begun.

The share of STEM graduates among all university graduates ranges from 27% to 35% (natural sciences, technology, engineering, mathematics). Women account for about 27.3% of STEM graduates and a high increase by 2025. By the end of 2024-2025, more than 150,000 students are studying abroad (the 3rd largest number of students leaving after China and India).

There are more than 30 branches of foreign universities in the country, including UK TNE programs, Bucheon University (South Korea), Westminster International University, and students studying outside the country mainly in Russia, South Korea, and Turkey, as well as growing interest in the UK and other countries.

There are international joint programs (double diplomas, IB schools). The education system uses 7 languages: Uzbek, Karakalpak, Russian, Kazakh, Kyrgyz, Turkmen, Tajik. There are more than 10,000 schools with multilingual and bilingual models. About 130 ethnic groups live in the country; the largest small nations are Tajiks (~5%), Kazakhs, Karakalpaks, Tatars, Russians, and Turkmens.

The Academy of Sciences unites about 300 scientific institutes and organizations (data 2025), 12 key government think-tanks and analytical centers. The main institutions are the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies, the Center for Economic Research, the Graduate School of Strategic Analysis and Forecasting, and research centers under ministries. National platforms — “Edu Market,”, “Talim.uz,” “Kitob.uz,” “Eduportal” is engaged in the digitalization of education, online content is available to more than 90% of schoolchildren. "Edu Market" is a state-owned online platform for elementary schools, which is actively scaling; “Online Maktab” is an application of the Ministry of Education, which reaches up to 2.6 million views per day during the pandemic.

The Umida El-Yurt Program operates — government scholarships for the best students to study abroad and within the country. A National program for the development of school Education for 2022-2026 has been introduced with a focus on STEM/digital competencies, as well as programs to support young scientists, innovative grants (the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Education and Science). Assessment of completeness of data: education indicators are available in the UNDP, UNESCO, OECD, coverage is 88%. Military sovereignty — 48.5 In 2025, defense spending will amount to 2.8—3.5% of GDP ($2.8–3 billion).

This is the highest figure in Central Asia and the second highest in the CIS after Russia. Active armed forces — 48,000-68,000 people (various estimates).

Paramilitary units — 20,000, National Guard — more than 30,000. The army is being modernized — new Chinese KS-1C and FM-90 air defense systems have been purchased, Turkish drones, Western security systems and mobile artillery systems are being actively introduced. Own projects — Arslon 8×8/6×6 armored personnel carriers, To'fon self-propelled guns. By 2025, the national military industry is producing up to 80 types of dual—use equipment and products - armored vehicles, UAVs, artillery, communications/intelligence equipment. National technologies are demonstrated at the exhibitions (IDEX-2025).

A significant part of the hardware is still imported (China, Russia, Turkey), but the share of localization in UAVs, armored vehicles, and communications is growing annually. The Uzbek border is equipped with new ACS, inspection systems, electronic queue (from 2025), plus automation of customs, integration with neighboring countries.

The zone of the greatest risks is the border with Afghanistan; joint exercises (Hamkorlik-2025) with Russia are being conducted. The reserve system has been formalized — by presidential decree of 2025, hundreds of thousands of conscripts are transferred to the reserve (“mobilization reserve”) every year, reservists form the basis of the second line of defense. The estimated figure is at least 120,000 people are in the mobilization/territorial reserve. The country is officially outside the military blocs, is not a member of the CSTO, there are no military obligations, and foreign bases are prohibited by law.

The format of cooperation includes bilateral exercises (primarily Russia and China), arms purchases without formal alliances, and full autonomy of defense decisions. The system is centralized by the Defense Industry Agency (Ministry of Defense). Technology is being exhibited at world forums (IDEX-2025, Abu Dhabi), there is a production base, startup support, and the integration of AI and robotics has begun. Special attention is paid to UAVs, armored personnel carriers, light equipment, communication systems, robotics, command automation. Uzbekistan does not have nuclear weapons.

All strategic stocks have been eliminated under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT); there are no warheads, nuclear programs or stocks declaratively and realistically. There are no space programs, military satellites, or “military space.” Intelligence is based on government communications, UAVs, integration of foreign solutions (China, Russia, Turkey) and digital military platforms.

National military intelligence is autonomous, based on integration with electronic communications and UAVs, partially imported equipment. All parameters are reflected in the annual reports of SIPRI, UNODA, the Ministry of Defense, the official portals of state-owned companies (Embraer, IMBEL) and industry databases of UN/NGO - 90% coverage

Final Summary Table

The main conclusions

Strengths. High human capital: HDI 0.74+, literacy 99-100%, significant coverage of higher education (41%) and STEM, annual student growth, great intellectual and creative potential, developed culture of multiculturalism.

A diversified and sustainable economy: rapidly growing GDP (6.5–6.8% in 2025), a modernizing market, strengthening the role of the private sector and active liberalization of a number of industries — auto, fintech, digital services. Sovereignty of decisions: Uzbekistan is autonomous in foreign policy and military strategy, outside of blocs and alliances, independently regulates strategic security and border issues.

Digitalization: more than 70% of public services are online, high Internet penetration (89%), organization of digital platforms (my.gov.uz, Uzum Market, Payme, Talim.uz), the growth of e-commerce and fintech. Cultural and educational diversity: Active support for small nations, protected language rights, developed cultural institutions, major international projects, high involvement of the population in cultural life.

Weaknesses. Low autonomy in high-tech: Import dependence on complex electronics, chips, microelectronics, and devices is up to 80% or higher; there is no technological sovereignty in critical industries.

Weak positions in R&D: Research expenditures are 0.13—0.16% of GDP, there is no major research in basic sciences and biotechnology, and there is a shortage of proprietary technology platforms and breakthrough innovations. Low competitiveness of the economy and incomes: Average per capita income and labor productivity are lower than those of neighbors and regional leaders, and the state plays a significant role in the economy.

Deep raw material and technological import dependence: Dependence on imports of machinery, appliances, pharmaceuticals, communications, long supply chains, monopolization of key market sectors. Moderate institutional risks and management challenges: insufficiently predictable fiscal policy, institutional constraints for investors, and just-beginning reform in governance and the judicial system.

Limited biotechnological and robotic autonomy: In biotech, robotics, and AI, most of the equipment and knowledge is imported, with proprietary developments mostly at the initial stage of development.

Overall assessment. The cumulative index of Uzbekistan's sovereignty is 398.5 out of 700 possible points (average — 56.9%), which places the country in the top 100 in the world top. Uzbekistan is a country with high growth rates, an educated population, a stable financial structure and a strong cultural identity, and is actively implementing digital and industrial reforms.

The main challenges lie in technological autonomy, income, innovative economy, institutional development, management and elimination of dependence on foreign suppliers in critical segments. The sovereignty profile indicates that Uzbekistan is a country with a high degree of sovereignty in politics, security, culture, border management, and digital reforms, with a stable economic and educational foundation.

The key internal challenges are technological autonomy, import dependence, innovative development, institutional efficiency and the quality of macro-management.