Publication Details
Abstract
The interaction between national social policy and international legal norms has become increasingly complex in the context of globalization, reshaping state sovereignty and requiring adaptation of domestic systems. The Republic of Uzbekistan exemplifies this shift, integrating over 50 international treaties, including ILO conventions and UN covenants, into its national legal framework. Despite extensive legal scholarship, limited attention has been paid to how specific national systems, like Uzbekistan’s, balance international obligations with domestic priorities while preserving democratic legitimacy. This study aims to analyze the mechanisms, phases, and impacts of harmonizing national social legislation with international legal norms, focusing on labor rights, gender equality, education, healthcare, and social protection. The research identifies three stages of harmonization ratification, legislative adaptation, and implementation revealing over 127 national legal changes, improved labor and gender protections, modernized education, and enhanced healthcare aligned with international standards. Comparative legal analysis shows that Uzbekistan’s approach reflects continental legal system traditions, emphasizing legislative transformation over direct application. This study offers a nuanced understanding of how legal pluralism, transnational labor law, and the capabilities approach manifest practically in Uzbekistan, providing rare empirical insights into balancing international integration with national sovereignty. The findings contribute to global governance theories, offering practical models for other developing countries seeking to harmonize international commitments with domestic democratic processes while preserving national identity and legal coherence.