Abstract
Kazakhstan is in a difficult situation. The country is striving for self-determination in foreign policy, and this also raises the question of democracy and autocracy. In January 2022, President Kasym-Jomart Toqaev summoned troops from the Russian-dominated Collective Security Treaty Organization into his country. They crushed protests against the government and kept Toqaev in power. The price was 230 dead and 4,300 injured. Moscow expects loyalty, but Astana refuses to provide it unconditionally. To build up a countervailing power, the government is seeking additional partners. The EU is interested in expanding energy and trade relations. As in the case of Ukraine, Russia is reacting irritably and is trying to prevent any western orientation. China is an important trade partner for Kazakhstan, but politically, however, it also has an interest in the stabilization of the authoritarian order.