The geopolitical landscape has rarely been more precarious. President Trump has quickly inserted himself into seemingly intractable conflicts where Western interests are at stake, including the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and Israel’s deadly conflicts on multiple fronts. The need for the West to cultivate and strengthen regional allies is more critical than ever. Standing at the crossroads of East and West, both geographically and metaphorically, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan hold unique potential. These pivotal nations are at a turning point: they can either deepen their ties with the West or risk drifting into Iran or Russia’s sphere of influence, writes Jay Ruderman.
Often overlooked, these Muslim-majority “swing states” are an important theatre shaping the West’s future strategic positioning, The Caspian Post reports citing EU Reporter.
With deep historical and cultural connections to Turkey, Russia and Iran, they nonetheless have passed a crucial litmus test, by maintaining normalized relations with Israel. Israel’s quiet normalization with Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan is crucial for sustaining and growing a Western foothold in the region.
Shaped by their strategic location, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan pursue pragmatic foreign policies. Azerbaijan maintains strong military and trade ties with Israel, while balancing tensions with Iran. Uzbekistan emphasizes trade and regional stability, engaging with Iran while showing openness to multilateral initiatives with Israel. Kazakhstan uses its energy resources and historic outlook of neutrality to foster economic cooperation with Iran and a cordial relationship with Israel. All three countries also enjoy ongoing relations of fluctuating warmth with near neighbor Russia.
In every country, education is key to instilling societal values. What is taught in today’s classrooms will define the societies of tomorrow. As such, textbooks provide an important window into the future. Recognizing the critical role of education in shaping societal values, the Ruderman Family Foundation partnered with the international research institute IMPACT-se to conduct a thorough analysis of curricula in Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan. These three groundbreaking studies, supported by the Foundation’s commitment to fostering inclusive societies, offer invaluable insights into the educational frameworks of these nations. The research findings reveal an encouraging trend: today’s textbooks, as indicators of societal values, overwhelmingly reject radical ideologies and demonstrate respect for Jews and Israel - A key barometer for any Muslim-majority country. This reflects the potential for building bridges through education, a vision championed by the Ruderman Family Foundation in collaboration with IMPACT-se.
In Uzbekistan’s secular, multi-ethnic and religious republic, interfaith tolerance, and multiculturalism is a key educational priority. Encouragingly, educational materials emphasize harmonious coexistence, aiming to instill values of mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation. Jewish history and Judaism are also featured within the framework of the “History of World Religions” curricula. While the Arab-Israeli conflict is sparsely covered, it is done so with a balanced approach and fairly reflects ongoing complexities.
Kazakhstan maintains inter-ethnic harmony within a predominantly Muslim demographic. Consequently, there is a general policy of textbook neutrality, aligning with a separation of religion and state within the educational framework. Therefore, there is largely an absence within textbooks of controversial international issues, especially those with strong religious undertones - The Arab-Israeli conflict being a prime example.
In Azerbaijan, while references to Judaism are minimal, Jews and Israel are portrayed positively. Judaism is presented as one of Azerbaijan’s religions, alongside Islam and Christianity, and is treated with equal respect. In the “Life Knowledge” curriculum, Jewish, Islamic and Christian symbols, practices, and customs are all placed on the same footing.
These findings, derived from the Ruderman Family Foundation’s research initiative, demonstrate that a solid Western orientation in these key Central Asian countries exists, most strikingly channeled by healthy relations with Israel. However, it is a foundation which requires nurturing, given the unpredictable nature of geopolitics. To this end, continued education is a key avenue, to foster shared values and mutual understanding as the basis of true partnership. Education that highlights commonalities-like the shared diversity embraced by Western countries, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan-can serve as a powerful driver of progress. Ongoing curriculum development should be a key plank in any Western overtures towards Central Asia.
Indeed, in a region where alliances often shift, these ‘swing states’ are uniquely positioned to function as bridges between East and West, offering a pragmatic counterweight to extremists and anti-Western influence. By strengthening educational frameworks and fostering inclusive curricula, the groundwork can be laid for stronger, values-based partnerships with the West-partnerships that transcend mere strategic interests. Quite simply, strengthening ties in this way with Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan, is a sound investment in a more peaceful and prosperous future.
