Abstract
This article provides a comparative institutional analysis of national ethnopolitical models in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan within the context of bilateral interaction. The empirical framework draws on legal documents, official statistics on ethnic composition and settlement patterns, and data on ethnocultural and educational infrastructure. The findings reveal that, despite similar multiethnic structures, the two countries diverge in their institutional logic of ethnic inclusion. Kazakhstan demonstrates a more formalized and representative model, while Uzbekistan relies on centralized administrative coordination and cultural integration. The study identifies three stages in the evolution of Kazakh–Uzbek relations, emphasizing the post-2017 phase marked by intensified institutionalization of humanitarian and ethnocultural cooperation. Attention is paid to the role of cross-border ethnic communities and humanitarian initiatives in mitigating latent conflict risks. The results contribute to understanding how institutional design shapes interethnic stability and offer practical insights for enhancing interethnic harmony and bilateral cooperation in Central Asia.