Choosing A Multi-Vector Approach in Kazakhstan’s Foreign Policy

The issue of multi-vector foreign policy of Kazakhstan has always been relevant for researchers from the post-Soviet space. The importance of this topic is underpinned by three reasons. First, Kazakhstan borders the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China, which are key rivals of the United States on the world stage. Iran and Afghanistan are considered sources of threat to Western countries as they are located not far from Kazakhstan’s borders with the countries of Central Asia. Second, Kazakhstan is rich with natural resources that attract interest of the world’s largest economies. Third, Kazakhstan has a great transit potential. Therefore, it makes the country’s territory crucial for logistic chains. The article describes the choice of Kazakhstan’s multi-vector policy, which was made almost immediately after the declaration of independence. Moreover, the article provides information about conceptualization of the country’s foreign policy and the challenges it faces. In addition, the results of an expert survey conducted in June, 2024, among Kazakhstan’s experts on the foreign policy of the Republic of Kazakhstan are summarized. The main outcome of the research is the conclusion that multi-vector foreign policy remains the only course that is based on rational geopolitical estimation. Another conclusion is that the multi-vector foreign policy of the Republic of Kazakhstan has a two-level conceptualization. At the first level, we discover conceptualization of vectors of foreign policy, taking into account the partner countries’ regional and historical specific features. The second level is represented by conceptualization of cooperation, reflected in the adopted documents: laws, foreign policy concepts, and the head of state’s addresses.