Kazakhstan
Republic of Kazakhstan
Population
19.6M
GDP
$260.0B
Capital
Astana
Government
Presidential republic
At a Glance
Human Development
0.8
HDI (0-1)
Democracy
3.1
EIU (0-10)
Press Freedom
—
RSF score
Corruption
—
TI CPI (0-100)
Innovation
—
GII score
Happiness
—
WHR (0-10)
Kazakhstan is the largest landlocked country in the world and the dominant economy of Central Asia, possessing vast oil, gas, and mineral resources. Since independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, it has pursued a multi-vector foreign policy balancing relations with Russia, China, the West, and the Islamic world.
Kazakhstan is notable for its nuclear disarmament -- it voluntarily gave up the world's fourth-largest nuclear arsenal inherited from the Soviet Union, becoming a leading advocate for non-proliferation. It hosts the Baikonur Cosmodrome (leased to Russia) and the Astana International Financial Centre. President Tokayev has pursued cautious reforms while managing the legacy of long-time leader Nazarbayev.
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As Kazakhstan, position yourself as Central Asia's leader and a responsible multilateral partner. Lead with your nuclear disarmament credentials -- this gives you unique moral authority on non-proliferation and disarmament.
Balance Russian and Chinese relationships carefully without appearing as a client state. Advocate for landlocked developing countries and Central Asian water/energy issues. Leverage your oil wealth and strategic minerals (uranium) for economic diplomacy. Host international summits and peace processes. On human rights, deflect by emphasizing reform progress and economic development.
Foreign Policy
Kazakhstan's multi-vector diplomacy seeks balanced relations with all major powers. It hosts the Astana Process for Syrian peace talks alongside Russia and Turkey, and has served as a mediator in Central Asian disputes. Kazakhstan is a member of the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union and CSTO while also partnering with NATO, hosting the IAEA Low-Enriched Uranium Bank, and serving as a critical transit route for China's Belt and Road Initiative. It actively seeks non-permanent Security Council seats and chairs regional organizations.