Lessons 1 · 1 lessons · Z. Islomov, D. Rahimjonov, J. Najmiddinov, N. Ismatova. History of world religions, Grade 11, 1st edition. Yangiyul Poligraph Service, Tashkent, 2018
1
Security and stability in Uzbekistan
Textbook: pp. 4–9
GoalExplain the concepts of security and stability and their link to inter-ethnic harmony and religious tolerance; describe the multi-ethnic and multi-confessional make-up of Uzbekistan.
New words
security · xavfsizlikstability · barqarorlikinter-ethnic harmony · millatlararo totuvlikchauvinism (belief in the superiority of one’s own group) · shovinizm
Explanation
Security is not ensured by armed forces and defence spending alone: it also has economic, social, information and cultural sides. Stability in a society is strengthened by the rule of law, peaceful dialogue and mutual respect between groups. More than 130 nationalities live in Uzbekistan; they speak different languages and follow different religions or none. Schools teach in Uzbek and also in languages such as Russian, Karakalpak, Kazakh, Tajik, Turkmen and Kyrgyz. The Constitution guarantees respect for the languages, customs and traditions of all nationalities living in the country. The Republican International Cultural Centre was founded on 13 January 1992; in 2017 it was reorganised as the Committee on Interethnic Relations and Friendly Ties with Foreign Countries. History shows that the idea of one group’s superiority (chauvinism, racism, fascism) has done great harm to societies; the fifth priority of the 2017–2021 Action Strategy likewise named security, inter-ethnic harmony and religious tolerance; it was followed by the Development Strategy of New Uzbekistan for 2022–2026.
Worked examples
In one neighbourhood Uzbek, Russian, Tatar and Korean families live next door; they visit each other on their own holidays and follow shared rules. This is everyday inter-ethnic harmony.
An armed conflict in a neighbouring country can cause refugee flows and border-security problems. This shows that security does not depend only on the situation inside one’s own territory.
Class activity
Discussion: write at least five meanings of “security” (military, economic, information, environmental, social) in a table and give one example for each. Compare your list with a classmate’s.
Practice
1
Why is security not ensured by weapons alone?
Because economic, social, information and cultural factors also affect it; without internal harmony even a strong army cannot guarantee stability.
2
How many nationalities live in Uzbekistan and how does this affect state policy?
More than 130; therefore the state ensures respect for the rights of all nationalities in language, customs and education.
3
What is chauvinism and why is it dangerous for a society?
It is the idea of placing one’s own group above others; it breeds hostility and conflict and undermines the basis of living together.
4
How does a multilingual education system serve inter-ethnic harmony? Explain.
Because children of each nationality can study in their mother tongue, they feel equal members of society, which strengthens trust.