Abdusaid Kuchimov: Threats of Imperial Ambitions Require Civic Consolidation

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Amid a shifting global environment, Uzbekistan must be prepared to respond firmly to any threats to its sovereignty. This was stated on 5 February at a session of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis by Senator Abdusaid Kuchimov, Director General of the National Information Agency of Uzbekistan (UzA).

According to him, contemporary international politics increasingly resembles “walking through a minefield,” while the existing global rules are rapidly transforming.

The senator emphasized that aggressive politicians and certain radical figures, like dancers on ice, can change the direction of their actions at any moment, making abrupt and unpredictable moves.

“This reality does not allow any of us to feel at ease even for a minute,” Kuchimov noted.

The senator expressed concern about a possible resurgence of imperial ambitions. “What if the balance is disrupted and an imperial mindset re-emerges, if there is a threat of putting a yoke around our necks, when every passerby on the street, leaning on a staff, will say: ‘I am your master’? Is this not a longing for empire?” he asked, quoting lines by Abdullah Aripov about the caravan and barking dogs:

“The dog barks — the caravan moves on,
This truth has long been known to all.
But do not deem it a blessed fate
To walk your whole life hearing spiteful barks.”

In Kuchimov’s view, the current uncertainty requires active consolidation of citizens. “Today we must unite to counter such sentiments. Perhaps we need to respond on the spot to any force threatening our caravan, to any barking puppy or any predator — to put it in its place, curb its arrogance, bring it to reason,” the senator said, adding that everyone must prove their worth through labor, intellect, and deeds.

Kuchimov’s remarks came against the backdrop of recent statements by Russian public figures questioning the sovereignty of former Soviet states. In early January, television host Vladimir Solovyov referred to Armenia and the countries of Central Asia as zones of Russia’s influence, claiming that the “loss” of these territories would threaten Russia’s national security. In response, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova stated that Solovyov’s words reflected only his personal opinion, while Armenia’s Foreign Ministry sent a note of protest to the Russian ambassador.

Soon afterward, philosopher Alexander Dugin asserted that the countries of Central Asia and the South Caucasus should become part of a single union with Russia. “One cannot agree with the existence of a sovereign Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan… Either they will be in our camp, or they will become a bridgehead for the West or China,” Dugin said.

Commenting on these statements, Senator Kuchimov called for unity and readiness to defend Uzbekistan’s national interests, stressing that the country’s independence must be secured through decisive and well-considered actions, rather than remaining hostage to the uncertainty of global politics.