Uzbekistan’s ambitious foreign policy is aimed at winning back its Central Asian pivot state role. Historical, geographic, and military factors appear to pave the way for its successful attempt at gaining the status of indispensable ally of Central Asia. However, serious economic and demographic problems cripple Tashkent’s ability to bid for regional hegemony, while geopolitical disputes on water management and energy supplies complicate its relations with neighbouring states Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. The US and Europe aim at improving Uzbek-Western relations, but must confront Islam Karimov’s brutal regime, which slows down the rapprochement.