Kazakhstan as a Middle Power in Wartime (Routledge Contemporary Russia and Eastern Europe Series)

This book examines Kazakhstan’s political, economic, social, ideological, and security response to Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, exploring its impact on international relations and Kazakhstan’s resulting precarious position.

Economically, strategically, and culturally linked to the Russian Federation, Kazakhstan, in the aftermath of the invasion, has sought to balance containing Russia’s threats and potential invasion, strengthening regional stability, and defending its national interests. This book expands readers’ knowledge of Kazakhstan’s internal and foreign politics, exploring how the country navigates its reintegration and strategic partnership with Russia while maintaining its obligations to international law and fostering goodwill with European and American partners.

Kazakhstan as a Middle Power in Wartime is essential reading for scholars and students of international relations, political science, and contemporary conflict, particularly those with an interest in Russia, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia.

Nygmet Ibadildin has a Ph.D. in political science and international relations and is Head of the Department of International Relations and Regional Studies. He has held teaching and research positions at Colgate University, KIMEP University, United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR). His fields of specialization are international relations, international political economy, and emerging markets and powers.

Vladimir Ryzhkov is a candidate of historical sciences and a professor at the Institute of International Relations of Almaty Management University (AlmaU) in Almaty. Previously, he served as a deputy of the State Duma of Russia (1994–2007) and was a professor at the National Research University Higher School of Economics (HSE) in Moscow and at KIMEP University in Almaty, Kazakhstan. His areas of specialization include contemporary Russian history, the political system, federalism, and international relations. He is the author of many books on this topic.