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Abstract
This purpose of this paper is to examine the development of Uzbekistans export control system since the countrys independence in 1991. Employing the case study method, this paper seeks to analyze why and to what extent Uzbekistan has developed an export control system and to determine what factors drive its export control behavior. Four theoretical approaches that provide answers as to why states develop export control systems, namely the domestic political, realist/neorealist, liberal identity, and rational institutional, will be examined. Does the empirical evidence regarding Uzbekistans export control development match the expected behavior derived from any of the four theoretical approaches? Our analysis points toward the rational institutionalist approach as having the most explanatory power. A greater understanding of what behavior to expect should provide a foundation for improved policy prescriptions regarding Uzbekistans export control system as well as Central Asian economic and security cooperation.