Nation-Building and Foreign Policy: The Complex Dynamics of Kazakhstan-Russia Relations Since Independence

Levent Duman, Sharifa Giritlioglu, Mehmet Emin Erendor

2026

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DOI 10.59281/turkiz.1903795
Data confidence 70 medium
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Abstract

Since gaining independence in 1991, Kazakhstan has navigated a delicate nation-building process, balancing the assertion of Kazakh national identity with the need to maintain ethnic cohesion in a multiethnic society. Simultaneously, the country has sought to preserve strong diplomatic and economic ties with Russia, its most influential neighbour and former colonial power. This study examines the intersection of Kazakhstan’s nation-building policies and its foreign policy toward Russia, focusing on demographic shifts, language reforms, and geopolitical pressures. While much research has explored Kazakhstan’s domestic identity policies, limited attention has been given to their impact on foreign relations, particularly in managing Russian influence. Given Moscow’s historical use of cultural and ethnic ties as geopolitical tools, understanding Kazakhstan’s strategic approach is essential. This study integrates nation-building theory with foreign policy analysis to assess how Kazakhstan consolidates its national identity while maintaining diplomatic stability. Findings reveal a gradual de-Russification trend, particularly in language and historical narratives. However, economic dependencies and geopolitical constraints have compelled Kazakhstan to adopt a cautious, incremental approach, avoiding confrontation with Russia. The study provides insights into how post-Soviet states manage national identity under external pressures, offering broader implications for small-state diplomacy in contested geopolitical spaces.