Scientific novelty of the work is revealed by obtaining the following results:
1 For the first time in a study of the theory of international relations the author
has attempted to use a developmental approach in the stratification of states in the
international system.
2 The dissertation displays a model for the transformation of states from small
to middle power in the international system. If previously other studies in this area
were limited to merely defining states as small, middle and great powers, this
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dissertation categorizes the criteria for transformation of a state from small to middle
power.
3 The dissertation defines Kazakhstan as a middle power. It also evaluates the
conditions for the effective strategies used by Kazakhstan that combined soft and
smart power.
4 A comprehensive analysis of not only geopolitical processes, but also their
interrelations with internal political, socio-economic and demographic processes in
Kazakhstan is used. In other words, the research uses dependent, interfering and
confounding variables to find out the patterns and mechanics of foreign policy
decisions.
5 While previous studies of foreign policy of Kazakhstan mostly inclined to
use geographical approach or three level analysis, this study employed issue-based
approach to reveal relevance of such external factors as geopolitical, international
system and international issues to the transformation of Kazakhstan foreign policy
behavior.
6 Ways to increase the effectiveness of the foreign policy of the Republic of
Kazakhstan are proposed.
