The Policy of Islam Karimov, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Исполнитель

The Policy of Islam Karimov, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan

Under the leadership of President Islam Karimov, Uzbekistan has entered a renaissance of its spiritual and intellectual values, an era of radical transformation in the economic, political and social spheres. Uzbekistan has begun building a democratic, lawful and secular society with an open-market economy and a strong system of social protection. The main aims of his policy are: keeping a stable situation in the country, strengthening the international and interethnic cooperation in Uzbekistan and gradual transition to the new democratic system of rule. Taking into consideration the concrete situation, and the mentality and traditions of the Uzbek people, President Karimov has elaborated five basic principles of reform, directing the country’s internal policy.

First, economics should have priority over politics.

Second, all reforms should be initiated by the state.

Third, all spheres of life should be ruled by law.

Fourth, social policies should be very strong.

Fifth, transition towards a market-oriented economy should proceed in an evolutionary, rather than revolutionary way, with as little harm as possible to people’s living standards. As a popular saying goes, “Never destroy the old house unless you have built a new one.”

In the sphere of international relations, President Islam Karimov adheres to a policy of peace, equal beneficial cooperation between countries and mutual understanding among state leaders. The foreign policy is based on the principles of sovereign equality of states, not using force or threat of force, inviolability of borders, peaceful settlement of disputes and noninterference in the internal affairs of other states.

Comprehension Questions

1. Explain the meaning of the first sentence.
2. What is a secular society?
3. What is a democratic society?
4. What are the three main aims of Karimov’s policies.
5. What are Karimov’s five basic principles for reform?
6. What is Karimov’s foreign policy?
7. How does Karimov believe countries should handle disagreements?
8. What role does peace play in Karimov’s foreign policy?

Discussion Questions

1. How are the economic, political and social spheres changing in Uzbekistan today?
2. Why does Karimov want an open-market economy?
3. What is a strong system of social protection and why is it important?
4. Explain why each of Karimov’s three main aims is important to Uzbekistan today.
5. What is reform?
6. Should economics have priority over politics? Why?
7. What is the differences between evolutionary and evolutionist’s change?
8. The economy of Uzbekistan is said to be “in transition” What does that mean?
9. Peace plays a very important role in international relations. When is peace impossible? Why? How can these situations be avoided?