In the context of evolving global security challenges, U.S.–Uzbekistan cooperation in counterterrorism has become a key element of regional stability in Central Asia. Rooted in mutual interests and reinforced by geopolitical realities, the partnership focuses on combatting transnational threats such as terrorism, extremism, narcotics trafficking, and human smuggling. Uzbekistan has supported U.S. regional initiatives, including military logistics assistance, capacity-building in border control, and multilateral coordination mechanisms. According to U.S. Department of State reports, Uzbekistan remains a committed partner in the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS and has strengthened domestic counter-extremism policies. High-level engagements, such as the inaugural C5+1 dialogue and U.S.–Uzbekistan Strategic Partnership Dialogue, reflect sustained deepening of strategic alignment between the two countries. Senior-level talks, such as the recent Tashkent meetings (January 2025), point to heightened strategic convergence between the two nations. This paper examines how bilateral programs cross boundaries, placing Uzbekistan within the global counterterrorism cooperation architecture, and placing it as a leading player in post-9/11 regional security diplomacy.
In the context of evolving global security challenges, U.S.–Uzbekistan cooperation in counterterrorism has become a key element of regional stability in Central Asia. Rooted in mutual interests and reinforced by geopolitical realities, the partnership focuses on combatting transnational threats such as terrorism, extremism, narcotics trafficking, and human smuggling. Uzbekistan has supported U.S. regional initiatives, including military logistics assistance, capacity-building in border control, and multilateral coordination mechanisms. According to U.S. Department of State reports, Uzbekistan remains a committed partner in the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS and has strengthened domestic counter-extremism policies. High-level engagements, such as the inaugural C5+1 dialogue and U.S.–Uzbekistan Strategic Partnership Dialogue, reflect sustained deepening of strategic alignment between the two countries. Senior-level talks, such as the recent Tashkent meetings (January 2025), point to heightened strategic convergence between the two nations. This paper examines how bilateral programs cross boundaries, placing Uzbekistan within the global counterterrorism cooperation architecture, and placing it as a leading player in post-9/11 regional security diplomacy.