Uzbekistan: Long Awaited Transformation of Civil Service—Paradigm Shift or Hot Air?

This chapter sets the wider context for public administration and civil service reform in Uzbekistan. Political transformation began when Shavkat Mirziyoyev succeeded Islam Karimov as President of the Republic in 2016. Mirziyoyev showed a pro-active approach towards governance reforms, improved foreign relations in the region of Central Asia and the initiation of major economic reforms, designed to strengthen the strategic positioning of the country. A number of fundamental reversals and shifts from over 20 years of rule under the late President, Islam Karimov, have been notable, among them the cautious opening up of free media space and relative liberalisation of freedom of expression; genuine strides made to eradicate child labour and reduce forced adult labour in cotton fields; a crackdown on corruption, especially among the police and in the healthcare and education sectors; and an increase in salaries for police personnel, prosecutors and judges with the aim of combating corruption and attracting qualified personnel. However, it ought to be acknowledged that while significant progress is being made, these reforms should not be interpreted as a deep and fundamental shift in Uzbekistan’s approach to controlling the state machinery. Overall reluctance to embark on civil service reform and slow progress in its implementation presents a particular puzzle and can serve as a litmus test of political economy and how the past can haunt its political future.