REGIONALISM AND IDENTITY FORMATION IN CENTRAL ASIA

Regionalism, Central Asia, Regional Identity, Post-Soviet Transformation, Ethno-Regionalism, Civic Regionalism, Cultural Pluralism, Soviet Legacy, Regional Cooperation, Social Cohesion.

Authors

  • Nivedita Das KUNDU PhD., Associate Professor of the Department of Political Science at the Uzbekistan State University of World Languages, Uzbekistan

This article explores the evolution and processes of regionalism in Central Asia, focusing on the formation and consolidation of regional
identities within their unique historical, socio-political, and cultural contexts. Drawing on diverse theoretical approaches, the article
examines the legacy of Soviet-era regional policies and their impact on post-independence regional identity formation. It highlights how
regionalism in Central Asia has oscillated between ethnic and civic conceptions, reflecting historical legacies and the challenges of
globalization. The analysis emphasizes the need for an inclusive vision that accommodates ethnic and cultural diversity while fostering
pluralist democracy and regional cooperation. The research wounderscores the interplay of historical narratives, cultural revival, and
political transformations in shaping regional identities and suggests pathways for sustainable social cohesion and stability