Abstract
Although economic diplomacy is central to foreign policy, little attention has been paid to how middle and emerging powers manage asymmetric economic relations.This paper examines Kazakhstan-Italy cooperation, focusing on the mechanisms, dynamics and prospects of bilateral economic diplomacy.Using a comparative, mixed-methods design, it examines bilateral agreements, trade and investment flows, and case studies of major Italian companies operating in Kazakhstan over the 2015-2025 period.The findings show that sectoral interdependence shapes diplomatic strategies: Kazakhstan relies on resource-based diplomacy, whereas Italy employs firmcentred economic statecraft supported by institutional engagement.The relationship generates mutual benefits but remains asymmetric because of Kazakhstan's dependence on energy exports and Italian corporate participation.The paper refines the understanding of middle-power economic diplomacy and recommends diversifying cooperation beyond hydrocarbons, strengthening institutional coordination and promoting technology transfer to improve the resilience and long-term effectiveness of bilateral engagement.