The impact of China's rise on Russia's Central Asia policies: The case of Kazakhstan

Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the Central Asian states—comprising Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan—gained their independence and have attracted the attention of global powers due to their geopolitical significance and rich energy resources. Russia seeks to maintain its influence in the Central Asian geography for reasons such as historical and cultural ties, as well as security concerns. Meanwhile, China's interest in the region has grown due to its rising economy and increasing energy needs. Through its Belt and Road Initiative, China has made significant investments in the energy and infrastructure sectors of Central Asia. The region, particularly Kazakhstan, is crucial for the overland portion of this project. These developments have led to both cooperation and competition between Russia and China. This thesis aims to demonstrate how China's rise has shaped Russia's policies in Central Asia, focusing on the case of Kazakhstan.