Astana's ambitions on the global stage

The Montaigne Institute in Paris ranks Kazakhstan - the ninth largest country in the world - among the emerging regional powers. With activism today ranging from energy issues to the green economy.

Paris (AsiaNews) - TheMontaigne Institute, one of the most authoritative centres of international analysis, based in Paris, has published a new report as part of its summer series ‘In Search of Regional Powers’, on the theme ‘In the Shadow of Saudi Arabia and Kazakhstan’, to further study the geopolitical role and diplomatic strategies of these two countries, considering them as influential regional powers in the contemporary global context. Although in different contexts, these two actors govern complex dynamics of international relations in order to maintain their capacity for action in the global arena.

Kazakhstan is considered ‘a strategic regional power with global ambitions’ by the author of the report, Michel Duclos, a French diplomat and one of the Institute's leading experts. In his view, Astana plays a leading role in the Central Asian context, supported by its considerable economic resources and strategic geographical location. Kazakhstan is the ninth-largest country in the world in terms of territorial extension, and guarantees 50 per cent of the GDP of the entire region, possessing large reserves of natural resources, including oil, coal, uranium and several critical metals, which make its economic action decisive, especially for energy supplies to Europe and other regions.

Being aware of its potential, Kazakhstan does not simply remain confined to regional ambitions, but actively participates on the scene of international diplomacy. The report highlights Astana's initiatives in areas such as curbing the spread of nuclear weapons and the administration of civil nuclear energy, which confirms its status as the world's largest uranium producer. Also important is the mediation role it has taken in several international conflicts, such as the Astana process for Syria, and the recent negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Kazakhstan's diplomatic efforts also extend to global ecological and climate issues, as confirmed by its cooperation with France in organising the One Water Summit this year. Moreover, Kazakhstan is recognised for its activities in favour of the development of interreligious dialogue, in particular with the regular congresses of leaders of traditional world religions. More than 140 ethnic groups coexist in the country, as Duclos points out, achieving great results in building a compact and shared national identity that encompasses ethnic diversity and the multiplicity of religions.

Even with all the uncertainties still unresolved, Kazakhstan has gone through a phase of great political change, especially since the election of the current president Kasym-Žomart Tokaev, who has been trying to implement an ambitious reform plan since 2019. Economically, the country is trying hard to reduce its dependence on Russia, a task that has become increasingly topical after the upheavals in the global geopolitical order following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. This is why the Kazakhs are increasingly seeking to diversify their economy, taking as an example the Astana International Financial Centre and its ambitions to become a hub for finance, technology and cryptocurrency.

Looking to the future, Kazakhstan is trying to develop a ‘green’ economy, as reflected in the government-approved ‘Strategy-2050’ plan. It wants to reduce the energy intensity of its economy by increasing the share of renewable energy in the coming years. In conclusion, the Montaigne Institute places Kazakhstan among the emerging regional powers, which, if it succeeds in properly regulating relations with its large neighbours such as Russia and China, can play a decisive role in the global geopolitical landscape.

• Kazakhstan
• Astana
• Mountains
• geopolitics