Have you ever thought that in a world full of all kinds of international disputes and geopolitics, there are still countries that choose to stand outside the disputes and maintain a unique state of "permanent neutrality"? On December 12, 1995, Turkmenistan, an inconspicuous Central Asian country, was officially recognized by the United Nations as the world's first permanent neutral country. Not only is this country unique in politics, but it also exempts its citizens from utility bills, and the price of gasoline is staggeringly low – only a dime per liter! What is the mystery behind this? How can a country maintain a state of near-"cleanness" in the midst of a complicated international situation? Next, let us unravel the mystery of Turkmenistan and explore its neutrality.
When it comes to Turkmenistan, many people may be confused. This country located in Central Asia is not only rich in resources, but also has a very unique political position. Its history and geographical location doomed it to a fate unlike any other.
The story of Turkmenistan begins with its independence. With the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Turkmenistan, like other countries in Central Asia, ushered in the dawn of national independence. But the difference is that Turkmenistan's geographical location places it in an extremely delicate geopolitical environment. Bordering Afghanistan to the southeast, the neighbouring country has been plagued by war since the end of the 20th century and has been unstable.
Niyazov, the first president of Turkmenistan, quickly realized that the newly independent state had to find a way to both guarantee the country's security and promote economic development. Against this background, he came up with a bold idea - "permanent neutrality".
"Permanent neutrality" is not a simple concept. It means neutrality in international disputes, not participating in any military alliances, and not allowing its territory to be used for military operations. This policy has allowed Turkmenistan to avoid becoming a victim of the great power game and to protect itself from conflicts with its neighbors.
However, the implementation of the neutrality policy was not without its challenges. Turkmenistan's location makes it an important gateway connecting East and West, especially when it comes to energy transportation. How to balance relations with all parties has become a challenge that Niyazov must face. He has to maintain a balance between major powers such as the United States and Russia, while also dealing with complex relations with neighboring countries such as Iran and Afghanistan.
Under Niyazov, Turkmenistan not only declared neutrality, but also actively participated in international economic cooperation. He knew that economic independence was equally important. Turkmenistan's abundant natural gas resources have brought huge economic benefits to the country, and have also become the economic basis for maintaining its policy of neutrality. And this economic strategy of independence does not depend on external forces, which strengthens the country's autonomy.
The implementation of policies is always accompanied by changes in people's lives. In Turkmenistan, the Niyazov government has introduced a series of policies to benefit the people, such as the exemption of water and electricity bills and the extremely low price of gasoline, which seem to be an incredible measure, but in fact the government uses the country's resources to give back to the people. This not only strengthened the people's support for the government, but also stabilized the country's social stability.
However, there are always two sides to a coin. Despite the apparent dividends of Turkmenistan's policies, this highly dependent economy has hidden dangers. The fluctuation of international energy prices, which has a direct impact on the stability of the country's economy, is another challenge that Turkmenistan has to face. While the policy of neutrality guarantees peace and security for the country, it also limits its space for maneuver in the international arena.
Niyazov's policies have allowed Turkmenistan to maintain some influence in the international arena, but it has also faced multiple tests, from political to economic. Neutrality may seem like a safe path, but in fact it is frightening. Each country has chosen its own unique path of development, and Turkmenistan's choice is undoubtedly unique and challenging.
Over time, a new leader succeeded Niyazov, and Turkmenistan's policy was gradually adjusted and changed. But no matter how things change, the recognition of the United Nations in 1995 made Turkmenistan a unique and permanently neutral country in the world, a status that is not only an important cornerstone of its foreign policy, but also an important part of its national identity.
The story of Turkmenistan is a story about how to find a suitable path for its own development in a complex international situation. Permanent neutrality is not only a political statement, but also a thoughtful consideration of the future of the country. This unique foreign policy has allowed Turkmenistan to occupy a place on the world map. While the path is fraught with challenges, it also shows the possibility that in this troubled world, there is still room to find a balance for peace and independence. The practice of Turkmenistan undoubtedly provides a different perspective for the world to think about.