Аннотация
The proposed article focuses on the trade-economic relations and geopolitical cooperation between Kazakhstan and its key strategic partners—Russia and China. Both China and Russia are active players in the current global geopolitical and geoeconomic landscape. Kazakhstan shares borders with these two major powers due to its geographical location, which amplifies their influence on Kazakhstan's political and economic environment. In particular, following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, a unique framework of relations emerged between Kazakhstan and Russia. However, over the more than 30 years of Kazakhstan's independence, it is difficult to assert that the principles of mutual equality have been fully upheld in bilateral relations. In recent years, the evolving geopolitical dynamics suggest a departure from the foundations of equality and mutual benefit. One of the most significant areas of cooperation between Kazakhstan and Russia remains the trade-economic sphere. Therefore, prioritizing research in this domain is of particular relevance. Since gaining independence, Kazakhstan has significantly expanded its multifaceted relations with the People's Republic of China. China's transition to a market economy has enhanced its influence in the global market, which in turn has had a regional economic impact on Kazakhstan. The article examines the development, current state, and global economic implications of China’s “Belt and Road Initiative,” which serves as a key element of its global and regional development strategy. The study analyzes Kazakhstan’s trade and economic relations with its two neighboring countries—China and Russia—while identifying the main areas of bilateral cooperation. It also explores the current characteristics and challenges of intergovernmental collaboration and proposes effective strategies for advancing investment cooperation. Based on the research findings, the article assesses the state of diplomatic relations between the countries, the volume of trade turnover—including exports and imports—and the current economic situation. The novelty of the article lies in its comparative analysis of the trade-economic and investment cooperation between Kazakhstan and Russia, and between Kazakhstan and China, in the context of globalization. This approach reveals the interdependence and mutual integration between Kazakhstan and its neighboring countries, while also identifying key issues and potential in the development of the national economy. Given the specific nature of the study, a combination of economic, statistical, historical-comparative, and geographical modeling methods is employed.