This year, the Republic of Tajikistan celebrates the 33rd anniversary of its national independence. On September 9, 1991, a significant historical event occurred when the Supreme Council of the Republic of Tajikistan adopted the decree "On the National Independence of the Republic of Tajikistan," declaring that "the Republic of Tajikistan is an independent, democratic, and lawful state."
The concept of sovereignty, once belonging to monarchs, now applies to states, ensuring their supreme and independent actions in both internal and external affairs. Jean Bodin, a 16th-century French publicist, is considered the founder of the theory of sovereignty. He provided the first clear definition of sovereignty, which served as a foundation for subsequent scientific studies in this field. However, the roots of the idea of sovereignty trace back to earlier times, during the development of feudalism and the emergence of new national states.
The UN Declaration on the Principles of International Law uses two terms to describe the process of creating new states: sovereignty and independence. It specifically notes that "the creation of a sovereign and independent state, free association with an independent state, or union with it, or the establishment of any other political status freely determined by the people are forms of the exercise of the right to self-determination."
A nation's external sovereignty is characterized by complete autonomy, freedom, uniqueness, and individuality in relations with other states. Tajikistan's international activities entered a new chapter on September 9, 1991, marked by the adoption of the declaration of national independence, which laid the foundation for the foreign policy of sovereign Tajikistan.
The declaration stated that "The Republic of Tajikistan acts independently in international relations as a subject of international law, striving in its actions for lasting peace, nuclear disarmament, the prevention of force in resolving disputes and contradictions between sovereign states, and developing cooperation among them to solve global problems facing humanity. The Republic of Tajikistan declares itself open to directly signing equal and mutually beneficial bilateral and multilateral agreements and treaties, without infringing upon the interests of any sovereign states, with all partners, without any preconditions."
Foreign policy plays a significant role in the formation and development of Tajikistan as a sovereign independent state. One of the main challenges facing the Republic is maintaining a balance between globalization and the country's national interests. It is believed that the sovereignty and independence of each country must be truly recognized as fundamental norms of international life. On this path, tremendous work has been done, and today Tajikistan is recognized as an independent state by more than 150 countries worldwide.
The main long-term goals of Tajikistan's foreign policy should consist of creating favorable external conditions for the country's sustainable, multifaceted development, further growth as a sovereign independent state, reaching agreements, and finding common interests with foreign countries and international organizations in addressing tasks defined by the priorities of the country's foreign policy.
The basic principles of the Republic of Tajikistan's foreign policy are reflected in the Declaration of National Sovereignty and the Constitution, based on an open-door policy, multi-vector orientation, realism, maintaining balance, and practicality. The main goal is to ensure national security and protect the national and state interests of the Republic of Tajikistan.
In shaping foreign policy parameters, it is considered that globalization processes, which are developing at a particularly high pace, have a noticeable impact on all spheres of the country's public life. Tajikistan, guided by the highest interests of its people, joins international organizations, establishes ties with foreign countries, and cooperates with compatriots abroad. The Republic has been accepted as a full member of international and regional associations and organizations. Its sovereignty has been recognized by 150 countries, with 118 establishing diplomatic relations, and bilateral agreements on cooperation have been signed with 50 states. Additionally, 84 bilateral agreements have been signed, and two conventions have been ratified.
Tajikistan has officially been recognized by 200 countries, and diplomatic relations have been established with 126 of them. The Republic of Tajikistan is an active member of 51 organizations, including international and regional ones, as well as international financial institutions. Moreover, over 1,200 bilateral documents have been signed, covering cooperation in the fields of politics, economics, trade, military-technical issues, as well as security, science, culture, education, medicine, and tourism.
Today, Tajikistan remains committed to strengthening regional integration, joint efforts against threats, and addressing intra-regional issues, in line with its foreign policy priorities. Tajikistan's foreign policy course is characterized by interest in the further development of equal cooperation with foreign countries and the international community as a whole.
A multi-vector policy – independent and sovereign – supports Tajikistan's ability to engage in balanced cooperation and use opportunities beneficial to its national interests. However, certain negative effects of globalization, such as international terrorism, illegal drug trafficking, and organized crime, pose serious threats to Tajikistan's national security.
Tajikistan has always adhered to a balanced foreign policy approach aimed at ensuring national interests, achieving sustainable economic development, and improving the living standards and well-being of its population. For this reason, Tajikistan will likely continue its course of developing relations with all states, in line with the objectives of safeguarding the country's national interests.
In addition to establishing bilateral relations, particular importance is given to Tajikistan's efforts to join international structures for its entry into the global community. In this regard, Tajikistan has made significant efforts to participate in various international organizations that are of interest to the country's development.
In conclusion, Tajikistan's foreign policy, grounded in the principles of sovereignty and independence, has evolved significantly over the past three decades. By maintaining a balanced approach to international relations, the country has succeeded in protecting its national interests while engaging constructively with the international community. Tajikistan's commitment to a multi-vector foreign policy and regional cooperation demonstrates its ability to adapt to the changing dynamics of global politics while safeguarding its sovereignty. In the years to come, Tajikistan is likely to continue pursuing a foreign policy that balances national priorities with global responsibilities, ensuring its sovereignty remains intact in an increasingly interconnected world.
Doronshoeva Nekbakht Shoqosumovna,
Candidate of Political Sciences, Head US & Canadian Department Institute of Asian & European Studies Tajikistan National Academy of Sciences
