This chapter outlines the theoretical framework of the study. It applies securitisation theory from the Copenhagen School of Security Studies to examine restrictions on the internationalisation of higher education (HE) in post-Soviet Uzbekistan from 1991 to 2016. The chapter provides an overview of securitisation theory and its main critiques. It explores how securitisation operates in authoritarian political systems, with a focus on Uzbekistan. The chapter also examines the application of securitisation theory in education studies. It illustrates how the theory explains HE reform patterns under former President Islam Karimov. Finally, it establishes the theoretical assumptions of this research, which will be revisited in light of the empirical findings.