THE ROLE OF UZBEKISTAN IN SOVIET INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS (1946-1990 ON THE EXAMPLE OF AGRICULTURE)

This article examines the role of Uzbekistan in Soviet international relations between 1946 and 1990 through the lens of agricultural development, particularly cotton production. It analyzes how centralized planning transformed Uzbekistan into a key supplier of raw materials, contributing to the Soviet Union’s economic self-sufficiency and global trade strategy. The study highlights the economic, political, and environmental implications of agricultural specialization, including the Aral Sea crisis and systemic inefficiencies. Based on recent scholarly literature, the research provides a critical assessment of Uzbekistan’s position within the Soviet system and its broader significance in shaping Soviet international economic relations.