Abstract
This article examines the participation of emerging states in United Nations peacekeeping missions, with a focus on Kazakhstan in comparative perspective. Using a qualitative comparative approach, the study analyses Kazakhstan alongside Indonesia and South Korea to identify differences in the scale of participation, strategic motivations, and foreign policy objectives. The findings show that while Kazakhstan’s contribution remains limited in scale, it demonstrates a steady upward trend and increasing institutionalization. The comparison reveals that peacekeeping participation serves not only security purposes but also broader diplomatic and strategic goals, including international recognition and foreign policy positioning. The study also identifies key challenges faced by emerging contributors, such as limited resources, institutional coordination, and evolving operational requirements. The article contributes to understanding how emerging states use peacekeeping as a tool of international engagement and security governance.