Conversion of Kazakhstan’s Foreign Policy Behavior

Abstract

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 10 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.