The Institute for Advanced International Studies (IAIS) at the University of World Economy and Diplomacy (UWED) hosted an expert meeting with Prof. Nick Megoran, Professor of Political Geography at Newcastle University (United Kingdom). The discussion brought together Odil Gafarov, Deputy Director of IAIS, Prof. Sherzod Abdullaev, Advisor to the Rector of UWED, and Prof. Azamat Seitov, Head of the Laboratory for Anthropology and Conflict Studies at IAIS.

During the exchange, the participants examined the drivers and constraints of Central Asian integration, including questions of political trust, connectivity, security interdependence and the role of external actors. Special attention was paid to how regional cooperation formats – both intra-regional and with global partners – can contribute to greater resilience, economic diversification and conflict prevention.

Prof. Megoran shared his long-standing research experience on Central Asia, while IAIS experts outlined Uzbekistan’s vision of regionalism, placing emphasis on dialogue, openness and a pragmatic, problem-solving approach. The sides also discussed the human dimension of integration processes, including issues of identity, borders, cross-border communities and local perceptions of regional initiatives.

The conversation underscored that sustainable integration cannot be reduced to infrastructure and trade alone, but must also rest on mutual understanding and inclusive development. Looking ahead, the participants expressed mutual interest in expanding academic collaboration between IAIS and Newcastle University.