The CIS summit held in Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, was a timely reminder that in a world where ties are being severed and the language of ultimatums is dominating, the culture of dialogue and mutual respect is still alive and growing. This trend was symbolized by the awarding of the 2022 Tolstoy International Peace Prize to the presidents of Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan, Emomali Rahmon, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and Sadyr Japarov. Why is this important to us?
For the rest of the world, Leo Tolstoy is not only a great writer, but also a philosopher whose ideas of non-violence and dialogue are surprisingly relevant today. The fact that the Tolstoy Prize has been awarded to the leaders of the three Central Asian countries is a recognition of their real achievements in promoting peace. It is no secret that the situation in Central Asia has been challenging at times. However, it is the political will, personal responsibility, and foresight of these leaders that have helped to resolve conflicts and foster mutual understanding.
Where there were once hotbeds of tension, a solid foundation for stability and trust has been laid. Their diplomacy is a practical embodiment of the Tolstoyan principle of non-resistance to evil through violence, but active opposition to it through reason, patience, and respect for one's partner. During the summit, the leaders discussed specific and sometimes complex issues, ranging from border delimitation and the shared use of water resources to the regulation of migration flows and the strengthening of economic cooperation. Each of these topics could have been a potential source of confrontation.
However, the approach demonstrated by the heads of state is directly related to the ideals of the Tolstoy Prize: they do not shy away from problems, but they also do not allow for forceful pressure, preferring instead to work diligently to find a consensus based on mutual benefit and respect for sovereignty. This is the very concept of "non-resistance to evil by force" translated into the language of high politics — not passivity, but active and persistent peacebuilding through dialogue.
The Dushanbe summit and the awarding of the Peace Prize are two sides of the same coin. The success of the summit was a response to those who were skeptical about the potential of the CIS. The Commonwealth has not only a shared past, but also a shared future based on the principles of good-neighborliness. And there is no better symbol for this than the name of the great Leo Tolstoy and the determination of the leaders of Central Asia.
For the rest of the world, Leo Tolstoy is not only a great writer, but also a philosopher whose ideas of non-violence and dialogue are surprisingly relevant today. The fact that the Tolstoy Prize has been awarded to the leaders of the three Central Asian countries is a recognition of their real achievements in promoting peace. It is no secret that the situation in Central Asia has been challenging at times. However, it is the political will, personal responsibility, and foresight of these leaders that have helped to resolve conflicts and foster mutual understanding.
Where there were once hotbeds of tension, a solid foundation for stability and trust has been laid. Their diplomacy is a practical embodiment of the Tolstoyan principle of non-resistance to evil through violence, but active opposition to it through reason, patience, and respect for one's partner. During the summit, the leaders discussed specific and sometimes complex issues, ranging from border delimitation and the shared use of water resources to the regulation of migration flows and the strengthening of economic cooperation. Each of these topics could have been a potential source of confrontation.
However, the approach demonstrated by the heads of state is directly related to the ideals of the Tolstoy Prize: they do not shy away from problems, but they also do not allow for forceful pressure, preferring instead to work diligently to find a consensus based on mutual benefit and respect for sovereignty. This is the very concept of "non-resistance to evil by force" translated into the language of high politics — not passivity, but active and persistent peacebuilding through dialogue.
The Dushanbe summit and the awarding of the Peace Prize are two sides of the same coin. The success of the summit was a response to those who were skeptical about the potential of the CIS. The Commonwealth has not only a shared past, but also a shared future based on the principles of good-neighborliness. And there is no better symbol for this than the name of the great Leo Tolstoy and the determination of the leaders of Central Asia.