KAZAKİSTAN DIŞ POLİTİKASININ DÖNÜŞÜMÜ: 1991-2011
EVOLUTION OF KAZAKHSTAN’S FOREIGN POLICY: 1991-2011

Summary/Abstract: In 1991, when Kazakhstan gained its independence, it had virtually no direct links with the world beyond the Soviet frontier. The basic physical infrastructure for such contacts had to be set in place at the same time that the new state was developing the human resources to conduct foreign relations. Kazakhstan made rapid progress in both areas and by the mid-1990s, had established reciprocal trade and diplomatic ties with over one hundred foreign countries. It also acceded to a wide range of regional and international organizations. Today, Kazakhstan has a highly nuanced foreign policy, based on strong bilateral relations as well as active participation in multilateral structures. Conceptually, its approach is characterised by three salient features. Firstly, it espouses a broad and balanced range of relationships, eschewing exclusive ideological constraints; this gives it flexibility and increases its outreach. Secondly, it follows a policy of constructive engagement, making effective use of bilateral and multilateral instruments; as a respected partner in different regional organizations, it is able to act as a channel of communication between bodies that otherwise have scarce contact. Thirdly, it promotes a complex, integral approach to global issues, cutting across political, economic, military and cultural divisions.

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