Abstract
China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has changed the global economic and geopolitical landscape, drawing attention to the strategic importance of Central Asia and its resources. The authors of the article set out to comparatively analyse the participation of Central Asian countries in the BRI in order to identify Kazakhstan's leading position. By assessing geographical, economic, investment performance and transit potential, this study highlights the important role of Kazakhstan in the successful implementation of the BRI in the region. The theoretical framework of the study is a set of different Chinese approaches, including China's peripheral diplomacy, the theory of large and small states, the Community of Common Destiny, and the "March to the West". The article also draws on Western theories like realism, neoliberalism and interdependence. Methodologically, the authors use comparative analysis complemented by quantitative methods to assess the extent of each country's participation in the BRI. The authors use comparative analysis complemented by quantitative methods. Historical and logical methods are applied to create a comprehensive perspective of the issue.The article provides insight into the participation of Central Asian countries in the Belt and Road Initiative. It may be of interest to Kazakhstan's foreign policy structures, researchers, and the general public who are interested in the implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative in Central Asia.