DISCUSSION ON KAZAKHSTAN’S ROLE AS A MIDDLE POWER

On October 18, 2024, an expert panel discussion titled “Kazakhstan as a Middle Power: Geopolitics, Critical Minerals, and Transportation” was held at the Royal United Services Institute in London. This event, initiated by the British side, featured representatives from the MIND Think-tank, Maqsut Narikbayev University, and prominent British research centres and universities.

The speakers concentrated on the key components of Kazakhstan’s “Middle Power” strategy, which was highlighted in President Tokayev’s most recent speech at the Astana Think Tank Forum 2024. The conversation focused on important foreign policy projects as well as political and economic changes that highlight Kazakhstan’s rise in status as an MP in modern world politics.

The growth of the “C5+1” model, which includes a wide range of international political relationships within the region, and Kazakhstan’s efforts to deepen relations with Central Asian countries were major topics of discussion. Together with Kazakhstan’s significant potential for rare earth metal mining, these projects establish Astana as a key participant in the world’s energy transportation.

Significant emphasis was placed on the development of the Middle Corridor project. This program promotes economic exchanges between Central Asia and the South Caucasus by establishing Kazakhstan as a crucial partner with Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Georgia.

The speakers and participants of the event highlighted the need for in-depth professional debates about Astana’s changing position in international politics. The Republic of Kazakhstan’s Embassy in the UK and Northern Ireland contributed to the event’s organisation.