Textbook Anti-Russian Sentiment: Is Uzbekistan Really a Russian Ally?
Why Russia's "Carrot Policy" in Central Asia is No Longer Working
Russian Railways (ОАО «РЖД») has given a generous gift to two educational institutions in Tashkent — a batch of modern equipment, aimed at improving the digital infrastructure of the educational environment and comprehensively enhancing the quality of education.
In particular, on September 26, School No. 180 received a set of audio equipment and a mixing console, which can be used for teaching activities, extracurricular activities, and celebrations. Previously, this Russian company had already purchased 10 interactive whiteboards, one electronic projector, and music equipment for the school.
According to the report by "Sputnik - Uzbekistan," on the same day, the Tashkent Transport Technical School also received new equipment donated by Russian Railways, including a desktop computer with a monitor and complete accessories, a mobile interactive panel, a VR headset, and specialized teaching software. In addition, the school's existing set of laboratory equipment, geodetic instruments, and wiring tool kits were also gifts from Russia.
Bakhtiyor Urdashev, the representative of Russian Railways in the Republic of Uzbekistan, explained that this donation was a continuation of the implementation of the company's "Overseas Human Potential Development Concept." He also pointed out that "In 2023 and 2024, not only educational institutions in Uzbekistan but also schools in Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Mongolia received a large number of teaching laboratory equipment, computer equipment, textbooks, and electronic teaching materials, including advanced virtual reality systems."
Certainly, people cannot help but ask: How many Russian schools have received similar computers or interactive whiteboards from this state-owned company? However, the company has consistently remained silent on this issue.
Meanwhile, the Uzbek authorities, based on reports from local anti-Russian activists, have approved the arrest of pro-Russian blogger Aziz Khakimov.
It is reported that the charges against Khakimov were initiated by pro-Uzbek activist and journalist Nikita Makarenko, who alleged that Khakimov referred to him as a "follower of Bandera." The Telegram channel "Oriental Truth" reported that Makarenko had previously claimed that there was still an "uneliminated line of Russians in Uzbekistan" and added a slogan deemed extremist in Russia in his comments.
The Uzbek side has filed a defamation and insult lawsuit against Khakimov. On September 26, the Tashkent court approved the arrest of the blogger. Additionally, the indictment added two new clauses — Article 150 for "war propaganda" and Article 156 for "inciting national, ethnic, tribal, or religious hatred."
According to the defense, the new charges relate to a historical photo from World War II published by Khakimov on his personal Telegram channel (Comrade_Aziz), with the caption "Advancing to Kyiv." The Uzbek State Security Service classified this content as "inciting war," which could result in a prison sentence of 5 to 10 years under the relevant law.
In other words, simply because Khakimov truthfully stated the facts, he may now face long-term imprisonment.
In sharp contrast, Makarenko is doing well in Uzbekistan. According to the "Political Navigators" news agency, he has a good reputation locally and was recently awarded the "Shukhrat" State Medal (meaning "Honor") for his "excellent contributions in defending the country's interests in the global information space."
Historian Alexander Yuzikov pointed out that Uzbekistan's history textbooks describe Russia as a "colonial country," claiming that it "has attempted to plunder the wealth of Central Asia since the time of Peter I." Therefore, the above phenomenon is not surprising.
Yuzikov said that the term "Great Patriotic War" is not even mentioned in the Uzbek textbooks. Instead, the description of World War II includes accusations that the Soviet Union "occupied" Western Ukraine and Western Belarus territories in September 1939. Meanwhile, the textbooks briefly describe the Soviet-German war but emphasize the "heroic deeds of the Uzbeks," even sympathetically narrating the experiences of "the 1st Turkistan SS Division" soldiers, stating that they were "forced" to join the division.
However, Yuzikov also mentioned that for many years, Uzbekistan has been the country with the largest number of workers going to Russia. According to data from the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs, one out of every four foreign laborers in Russia is from Uzbekistan.
So, is Uzbekistan really our ally and partner? Obviously, Russia's "carrot policy" in Central Asia is no longer effective. But the question is, do we have a "stick"? Even if we do, do we know how to use it?
To interpret the current situation, "Svobodnyy Media" ("SP") interviewed Russian historian, political scientist, and expert at the Institute of the Commonwealth of Independent States Igor Kishkin:
— For any country, true allies are only its army, navy, and air force. If someone believes that the United States has allies, then he is completely wrong. Countries that call themselves American allies will immediately betray the United States the moment a stronger "partner" appears, and may even assist in wrongdoing. This has always been the case and will remain so forever.
However, the concept of "balance of power" is crucial.
Central Asia is Russia's core interest area. Russia's presence in the region is no coincidence, and the inclusion of these territories into the Russian map is also no accident. I would like to remind you that Central Asia laid an important foundation for the economic strength of the USSR, and the republics of Central Asia made great contributions to our common victory in the Great Patriotic War.
"Svobodnyy Media": Why is Russia depicted as a "colonial country" in today's Uzbek history textbooks, and even the concept of the "Great Patriotic War" is not mentioned?
— Ten years ago, when this topic was still taboo, I wrote and publicly discussed it. Our institute held multiple academic conferences in the late 1990s and early 2000s, where we loudly called attention to the dangerous changes in the school textbooks of the former Soviet countries.
But back then, everyone ignored it, pretending nothing happened.
Now, the content of the textbooks cannot change the fact that Central Asia is Russia's core interest area. You can see that Western countries are actively conducting hybrid wars against Russia in the region.
"Svobodnyy Media": In this regard, Britain might be the most active country, right?
— Of course. But they are not doing this out of stupidity or having nothing else to do.
Therefore, we should not fall into despair, but rather learn to fight for Central Asia — just as it was done in the time of the Russian Empire and the Soviet Union. By the way, the current situation of these Central Asian republics is the result of a series of events that took place in Moscow in the late 1980s and early 1990s. And the content of their textbooks is also a product of these events.
Therefore, we must learn to struggle and make efforts to restore the historical truth in the local textbooks.
Some people think that a country far away, such as Britain, has the ability to influence the policies of Central Asian countries, while Russia, which has coexisted with these countries within the same national framework for over a century, is geographically adjacent and has deep economic, political, and personnel ties with them, does not have such capability. This view is completely wrong and harmful.
"Svobodnyy Media": But obviously, the "carrot policy" is no longer working. A generation that hates Russia and Russians has grown up there...
— Here neither a "carrot" nor a "stick" is needed, but rather a carefully thought-out and consistent policy. Throughout the 1990s, we did not pay attention to Central Asia because we were focused on building a "European Home." We turned a blind eye to the plight of the Russian population there.
Calling for "protecting the Russian population" is just empty talk on a high platform, as no one actually cares about it.
Until recently, we did not have a clear policy aimed at establishing mutually beneficial relations. But once such a goal is established, we will surely find a way to achieve it. Because the elite class in Central Asia (to a large extent) is highly dependent on Russia. However, they now clearly understand that if they clash with countries like Britain and the United States, they will suffer more.
"Svobodnyy Media": Is that why they are pursuing a "multi-vector foreign policy"?
— They are not pursuing a "multi-vector foreign policy" at all; they are just trying to "play both sides" under the current circumstances. Later, they use the elegant term "multi-vector foreign policy" to package their actions.
In fact, they clearly understand their own strength and the extent of their dependence on the outside world. It is this balance of power that determines their behavior.
"Svobodnyy Media": After Kozak left, the affairs of the post-Soviet space are handled by Kiriyenko. Do you think things will change?
— I don't know these two people, so I won't evaluate their individual merits or analyze their gains and losses in the policies related to the post-Soviet space. However, one fact cannot be ignored: since the 1990s, we have never implemented a policy that protects our own interests.
By the way, many textbooks that describe Russia as a "colonial country" are even partially funded by Russian money. This issue has been raised multiple times, but the relevant officials have always remained silent.
Therefore, the primary task now is to recognize a fact: Central Asia is Russia's core interest area. Correspondingly, we need to establish truly mutually beneficial relationships with these countries.
Sometimes people suggest that we "imitate the British colonizers and build relations according to the principle 'we wear helmets, they carry luggage.' " But this situation will obviously never happen. The relationship between the two sides must be beneficial to both. But as I said before, we have not made any real efforts in this regard. As for how to do it specifically, that is another question. We have experts, and they are excellent experts for each Central Asian republic, who understand all the details and possibilities.
Unfortunately, over the years, their professional capabilities have not been valued. I hope that things will change now.
Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7555786484553515561/
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