Understanding the multi-vector foreign policy: Kazakh-Russian relations after annexation of Crimea

In light of an on-going debate in International Relations scholarship over behaviour of the secondary-tier states on the international arena, this thesis is tasked with exploring the term of multi-vector foreign policy, which is often used to explain the foreign policy strategy of the ex-Soviet states. Evidenced from the study of the Kazakh multi-vectorism, the aim of this thesis is two-fold: explore the essence of the foreign policy through systematic literature review; as well as analysing its applicability in practice based on two empirical studies. To specify the foreign policy area, the analysis was primarily focused on Kazakh-Russo relations following the annexation of Crimea by Moscow in 2014. To gather data, the 'Political Science Database' of the ProQuest repository was used as a source for the literature review, whereas data for two empirical studies were collected from the official websites of the President of Kazakhstan and the United Nations Security Council. The results of the literature review suggest (and confirm the results of the previous studies) the main themes being economic, security as well as bilateral and multilateral relations that define multi-vectorism. Empirical evidence show that multi-vector foreign policy of Kazakhstan is better explained through the application of hedging policy that includes AqOrda's limited bandwagoning, binding-engagement and soft balancing strategies towards Kremlin. This thesis argues that Kazakhstan tries to strengthen the other vectors in its foreign policy strategy by forming alternatives to Russia alliances so as to balance the excessive influence of Moscow. Keywords: Kazakhstan, multi-vector foreign policy, Moscow, annexation of Crimea, Major Powers.