Kazakhstan's foreign policy after the independency in view of determinants and main orientations: 1991-2011

In Central Asia which is a region in that Turkey is highly interested emerged after the disintegration of the Soviet Union (UDSSR) new independent states. While these states which were called as the Union Republics or as SSR?s were during the Soviet period quasi federal units of the UDSSR with clearly defined territories, they became unexpectedly actors of international relations. Kazakhstan is among all other 15 new independent post Soviet states in terms of its territory, of the reserves on fossil energy reserves and potential power after the Russian Federation (RF) on the second place. Moreover Kazakhstan has a special importance in terms of its quite relevant geostrategic position between the RF and Peoples Republic of China (PRC) that is connecting Europe with Asia over the northern corridor. Therefore Kazakhstan is important for global affairs. Kazakhstan is also belongs to the Turkic speaking states because of its titular nation which speaks a Turkic language.Kazakhstan has a privileged status among all other post Soviet states in Eurasia because of its geostrategic localization and its richness on energy resources like oil and natural gas. Because of the increasing needs in the world and limited reserves, fossil energy has become more strategic and relevant, and Kazakhstan and its relevance has been increasing since the independency in 1991. Both for global powers and regional actors, and for neighboring countries, Kazakhstan has become an important actor. Also its developing economy, relative good life standards and increasing GDP per capita contribute without doubt to its expanding influence and dominating role in the Central Asian region.Kazakhstan has been following a multi vectoral foreign policy course and realistically continuing its strategic partnership and traditional relations with the RF on one hand, and on the other hand it has been deepening its relations with the West. Also the PRC has reached a privileged position in Kazakhstan?s foreign policy. Especially in economic and trade relations Kazakhstan aims to deepen its relations with this country and balance its disadvantaged demographic situation.The main question of this thesis is evaluating Kazakhstan?s foreign policy. Special emphasis is given to the reasons of the foreign policy course that is preferred by Kazakh decision makers since the independency and comparing this foreign policy course with other alternatives and analyzes advantages and disadvantages of this foreign policy.