Media of Central Asia in Transition: The Role of Journalism in Conflict and Transformation throughout Geopolitical Tensions (case study of Uzbekistan)

The media landscape in Central Asia is undergoing crucial changes mainly dominated by the geopolitical tensions that reshape the political, economic, and social systems of the region.

This research aims to explore the evolution of media and its role in Central Asia, focusing on its role in transitology amidst geopolitical tensions.

By reason 'the most populous country in the region, Uzbekistan has the potential to influence the dynamics of economic and political integration' (Tanbaev, 2023).

Moreover, to provide a comprehensive analysis of the current Central Asian media landscape and demonstrate the process of liberalisation with setbacks from time to time, this study explores the failure of democratisation and liberalisation in some CIS countries such as Belarus (in Dyczok&Gaman-Golutvina, 2009:68).

Additionally, to understand media's role in shaping geopolitical narratives of Central Asia, this study will appeal to examples, when 'Central Asian media outlets have been blocked in Russia for trying to cover the war in Ukraine objectively' (Umarov, 2023).