Abstract
This paper examines the state and the historical-geographical and socio-political processes of its emergence, citing the earliest states that have existed in human history as examples. Among the factors contributing to the political independence of the state, the factor of economic development is of particular importance. In this context the issue of economic independence of sovereign Kazakhstan is considered on the basis of comparative advantages of the country in relation to other countries in the international geo-economic system after the transition to a market economy. Comparative advantage is based on the country’s geographical position, natural resource potential, development in the economic, transport and social and technical spheres. It is also influenced by the development of economic and political-cultural integration processes. In particular, the location of Kazakhstan in the centre of Eurasia; its large natural territories and natural resource potential, including energy, land, soil, water, forest, biological, mineral, climatic and recreational resources; transit potential, connecting West and East, South and North; the presence of enterprises established during the Soviet Union; mass population literacy, availability of highly qualified citizens; international relations formed during the years of independence; a favourable investment environment; and the fact that the country has a well-developed economy. The article also considers the importance of using these potentials in defining and strengthening Kazakhstan’s position in today’s complex and unstable global geopolitics and geoeconomics.