BULLETIN of Ablai Khan KazUIRandWL Series “International Relations and Regional Studies”

THE EVOLUTION OF POLITICAL SYSTEMS IN THE CONTEXT OF GLOBAL TRENDS AND NATIONAL FEATURES

Seitakhmetova N. — 2025-07-02

This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the evolutionary processes of political systems in the context of modern global trends, considering the national specifics of various government entities. Based on the application of the comparative method of analysis of democratic, authoritarian and hybrid regimes, the main trajectories of institutional adaptation and mechanisms ensuring the stability of political systems in the face of global challenges are identified. A special emphasis in the study is placed on the dialectical interaction between global imperatives and local socio-cultural contexts that determine the unique vectors of development of national political systems. As a result of the conducted research, the determinants that have a stimulating or inhibitory effect on the effectiveness of the evolutionary processes of political systems in the context of global challenges of the XXI century have been identified. The revealed patterns make it possible to predict potential scenarios for the further evolution of political systems, considering the intensification of global processes. The results of the study make a significant contribution to the development of the theory of political institutions and comparative political science. An in-depth analysis of the correlation between the specifics of political culture and the effectiveness of institutional adaptations to global challenges seems to be a promising area for further research.

Funding: This research has been funded by the Committee of Science of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan (Grant No. BR27195711 «Socio-political processes in Kazakhstan (1980-2020): the experience of democratization and the formation of a Fair state»).

'SOFT POWER' AS A TOOL FOR EXPANDING FOREIGN POLICY CO-OPERATION BETWEEN THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN AND THE KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA: PECULIARITIES AND PROSPECTS

Abu Shawer O. — 2025-07-02

The present article aims to study the particularities and prospects of the utilisation of 'soft power' as a tool to strengthen and expand foreign policy cooperation between the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The central objective of this study is to identify the distinctive characteristics and common elements in the utilisation of 'soft power' by these two nations, in addition to determining the potential for further enhancement of Kazakh-Saudi collaboration. The scientific value of the study lies in addressing the lacunae in the existing literature concerning the utilisation of 'soft power' instruments in the diplomatic relations between Kazakhstan and Saudi Arabia. The practical value of the study lies in the formulation of recommendations to enhance the effectiveness of bilateral initiatives and consolidate the international image of both countries. The methodological framework of the article was underpinned by a comparative analysis, a content analysis of official documents and speeches by the leaders of the states, a historical approach, and an examination of statistical data on trade turnover and interaction in the spheres of education and culture. The study's primary findings indicate that both Kazakhstan and Saudi Arabia are actively utilising 'soft power' instruments such as cultural diplomacy, educational exchanges and economic initiatives, which has resulted in a consistent enhancement in mutual cooperation and an improvement in their international image. The findings emphasise the necessity for further expansion of engagement through the development of new initiatives and programmes aimed at strengthening bilateral relations. The practical significance of the work lies in the possibility of applying the proposed recommendations in the formation of foreign policy strategies of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as well as establishing cooperation with other states of Central Asia and the Middle East.

TURKEY'S MILITARY AND POLITICAL COOPERATION WITH CENTRAL ASIAN STATES

Mukatova D. — 2025-07-02

In the framework of multipolarity, the paper analyzes Turkey's political and military collaboration with Central Asian nations as a crucial component of contemporary regional security and the establishment of new centers of influence. The growing rivalry between global and regional countries over vital locations in Central Asia determines the topic's importance, making the examination of Turkish foreign policy action especially pertinent. The study's goal is to pinpoint the main trends, contributing elements, and outcomes of Turkey's expanding relations with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan.

The analysis of official papers, agreements, joint defense projects, arms transfer statistics, and military training programs in Turkish academies for the years 2020–2025 served as the basis for this work. The provision of Bayraktar TB2 unmanned aerial vehicles, joint production projects for armored vehicles and communication system modernization, the creation of a UAV operator training center, and Turkey's role in institutionalizing military-political interaction within the Organization of Turkic States are just a few of the topics covered in the article.

The study's findings demonstrate that Turkey is effectively utilizing both the ideological components of Turkic unity and the practical interests of Central Asian nations in modernizing its military. Potential hazards are also noted, including the necessity to maintain a strategic balance, the complexity of ties with other external actors in the region, and technological dependency on Turkey. In summary, it is emphasized that in order to advance military-political cooperation, Central Asian nations must actively handle new issues and take the shifting global environment into consideration.

THE EVOLUTION OF THE CYPRUS PROBLEM AND THE ADVENT OF THE TURKISH REPUBLIC OF NORTHERN CYPRUS

Zhumatay G. — 2025-07-02

The paper explores and analyzes the background and genesis of the Cyprus problem in international relations and the events leading to the 1974 Turkish military intervention and the establishment of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). This research problem is relevant and significant against the backdrop of the recent events regarding the pledge of Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan to comply with the United Nations Security Council resolutions 541 and 550 in 1983, which consider the TRNC as a secessionist illegitimate entity. From this perspective, the study examines the key historical events between 1960 and 1983 from the establishment of the Republic of Cyprus to the creation of the TRNC. As qualitative research, the study employs methods of historical analysis and content analysis. Through these methods, the study examines and analyzes official diplomatic documents, international treaties, the 1960 constitution of Cyprus and other primary sources to investigate the research problem. Besides, the study draws on relevant literature by Turkish, Turkish Cypriot, Greek, Greek Cypriot and scholars and experts from other countries. The establishment of the TRNC is regarded by the international community as incompatible with the international treaties of 1960 and thereby invalid. However, the results of the study have shown that the breach of the treaties and the 1960 constitution of Cyprus was committed by the Greek Cypriots. Having unilaterally and illegally usurped the power, the Greek majority in cahoots with the Greek junta intended to abolish the state of Cyprus and integrate it with Greece. The flagrant breach of the international treaties and the 1960 constitution by both the Greek Cypriots and Greece provoked the Turkish military intervention in July 1974, the division of the island and the establishment of the TRNC as the only viable solution to the Cyprus problem.

FEATURES OF LABOR MIGRATION IN CENTRAL ASIA: SOCIO-ECONOMIC AND LEGAL ASPECTS

Tokmeilova M. — 2025-06-30

This article explores the specifics of labor migration in Central Asia in the context of political and legal regulation at the national and regional levels. The aim of the work is to identify key trends, problems and challenges related to labor migration, as well as to analyze existing regulatory mechanisms that regulate migration processes in the countries of the region. The main research areas include: analysis of international and national legal acts regulating labor migration; identification of institutional mechanisms and practices of migration policy; study of the influence of political factors and interstate interaction on migration processes. The focus is on the need to develop a coordinated approach to regulating labor migration that takes into account the interests of both donor and recipient countries. The scientific and practical significance of the research lies in a comprehensive analysis of the current state of legal regulation of labor migration in Central Asia and the development of recommendations for its improvement. The methodological basis of the work is based on an interdisciplinary approach, including methods of comparative law, political analysis, systemic and institutional approaches. The study revealed gaps and contradictions in the legal provision of labor migration, as well as limited opportunities for coordinating migration policy between the states of the region. It is concluded that there is a need to harmonize legal norms and strengthen institutional cooperation in order to improve the effectiveness of labor migration management. The value of the conducted research lies in the systematization of data and conceptual understanding of the migration policy of Central Asia, which makes it possible to deepen the scientific understanding of migration processes and develop recommendations applicable both in scientific and practical terms. The practical significance of the results of the work is expressed in the possibility of using the findings in the development of regulatory legal acts, migration policy strategies and in the activities of government agencies dealing with migration issues.

REGIONAL SECURITY IN MODERN GEOPOLITICAL CHAOS: PROBLEMS AND OPPORTUNITIES

Дуйсен Г.М. — 2025-06-30

In this work, the authors examine the main challenges and risks that characterize the current geopolitical chaos on the scale of the global economic system. Based on the current geopolitical uncertainty and tension, the article highlights the problems and opportunities for ensuring security at the regional level, taking into account the characteristics and differences in the development of the Central Asian (CA) countries, as well as their common political and economic interests at the present stage. In this regard, special attention is paid to issues of achieving collective security. Ensuring security and stabilization of the national economies of Central Asian states is based on strengthening bilateral and multilateral cooperation and interaction with all interested parties.

The need to assess systemic problems of an intra-country and regional nature while coordinating the efforts of all countries of the Central Asian community is substantiated. Taking into account the new reality of the world order, there is a need for state reforms, development of current directions of foreign policy cooperation between Kazakhstan and the Central Asian countries based on the principles and methods of constructive and political diplomacy. In the context of increasing geopolitical upheavals, according to the authors, it is legitimate to concentrate the internal resources of the Central Asian regions on solving internal problems of socio-economic development, as well as ensuring national security. A properly structured agenda in this area is of great importance for developing a pan-regional joint policy for life support, maintaining stability and sustainability throughout the Central Asian region.

Funding: The article was prepared within the framework of the Targeted Funding Program of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan: “Multilateral Cooperation between Central Asia and China: From Early Stages of Interaction to Strategic Partnership”, Project ID: BR24993008.

DR HAITI – THE BLACK SHEEP OF THE CARIBBEAN: HISTORICAL ROOTS AND CONSTRUCTIVIST PERSPECTIVES ON STATE FRAGILITY

Dr. Raghunath Mahabir — 2025-06-30

This paper explores Haiti's contemporary political and economic challenges through the lens of its historical development and constructivist theory in international relations. Rather than attributing Haiti’s persistent marginalization solely to material shortcomings or governance failures, the study emphasizes the importance of socially constructed perceptions and historical narratives that have shaped both Haiti’s domestic institutions and its position in the international system. It argues that international norms, colonial legacies, and discursive practices have consistently portrayed Haiti as an anomaly within the Caribbean and global order. The paper analyzes how the Haitian Revolution, post-independence isolation, and repeated foreign interventions have contributed to a collective international perception of Haiti as politically unstable and economically fragile. Drawing on constructivist insights, the study underscores the significance of ideational forces—such as identity, reputation, and legitimacy—in understanding how Haiti is governed internally and perceived externally. Ultimately, the paper calls for a reevaluation of international engagement with Haiti that takes into account not only structural reforms but also the transformation of embedded global narratives.

POWER BALANCE IN CENTRAL ASIA: EXTERNAL POWERS IN THE REGION

Uzakbayev N. — 2025-06-30

This article explores the evolving balance of power in Central Asia through an in-depth examination of external state actors and the role of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). It begins by establishing the theoretical framework of the balance of power in international relations, highlighting its historical evolution and its application in contemporary geopolitical contexts. The core of the article is divided into two main analytical sections.

The first section examines the involvement of external powers—primarily Russia and China—in Central Asia. It details Russia’s enduring influence through historical, economic, and military ties, including its use of energy infrastructure and regional security cooperation frameworks like the CSTO. China’s growing footprint is assessed through the lens of the Belt and Road Initiative, large-scale infrastructure investments, and increasing trade and energy cooperation. The paper outlines how both powers strategically compete and sometimes cooperate in shaping Central Asia’s political and economic future.

The second section delves into the SCO’s institutional role in recalibrating regional geopolitics. It assesses the organization’s contributions to regional security, economic cooperation, and multilateral diplomacy. The article argues that the SCO serves as a stabilizing framework that helps mediate external influence while offering Central Asian states a platform to assert collective interests.

Using historical analysis, contemporary data, and institutional review, the article concludes that Central Asia’s balance of power is dynamically shifting, with China gaining increased influence alongside Russia’s traditional dominance. The SCO, while often perceived as an extension of Chinese and Russian interests, also offers a mechanism for regional countries to navigate these power dynamics with greater agency.

THE BALANCE BETWEEN TRADITIONAL AND INNOVATIVE METHODS IN THE TEACHING AND RESEARCH OF ECONOMIC DIPLOMACY

Shaimordanova Z. — 2025-06-30

Absrtact. In a rapidly changing and developing world, there is a rethinking of the accumulated experience affecting all spheres of human activity. Teachers rethink established teaching methods, strive to use new methods that allow for in-depth analysis and visualization to improve the educational process with the formation of appropriate competencies. Along with traditional methods of teaching economic diplomacy, both quantitative and qualitative, innovative methods such as artificial intelligence tools are used, which are also used in its research, building a balance between these methods. Using the example of the index of political stability in Kazakhstan and Turkey, the influence of this indicator on the development of economic diplomacy is shown. The Kazakhstan–Turkey export-import indicators, as well as the World Bank's political stability indicators, were sampled using the traditional method, and graphic images were created using artificial intelligence tools, including pandas and matplotlib libraries. It is shown that based on the theory of realism and liberalism in the Kazakhstan-Turkey case, there is a certain relationship between the index of political stability and trade and economic cooperation. The data obtained can be used for teaching economic diplomacy and its further scientific research. The research potential in this context will contribute to the formation of a teaching community in economic diplomacy.

Funding: This article was prepared within the framework of the grant project funded by the Committee of Science of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan: "The Tendency of Economization in International Relations and the Economic Diplomacy of New Kazakhstan" (No. AP23490344).

THE PROBLEM OF PUBLIC DIPLOMACY IN THE THEORY OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Khairuldayeva A — 2025-06-30

This article examines the place and significance of public diplomacy in the theory of international relations. Public diplomacy is used as an important tool in shaping the relations of states on the international stage, based on the dissemination of information, exchange of opinions, and engaging the international community in its goals and interests. The article analyzes the theoretical aspects of public diplomacy, its role and effectiveness in international relations, as well as trends in its development in accordance with the demands of modernity. In addition, the relevance of public diplomacy at the present stage, its methods of implementation, and the impact of information technologies and mass media are discussed. The authors, by exploring new forms of public diplomacy in international political processes, determine its influence on global politics, as well as its importance in shaping the image of the state.

ON THE NEW ROLE OF THE KAZAKH FOREIGN MINISTRY AND INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS IN THE PROCESS OF INTERNATIONAL TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER

Tulepov М. — 2025-07-02

This article examines the new role of the Foreign Ministry of the Republic of Kazakhstan and international organizations in the process of international technology transfer. In the context of globalization and rapid technological progress, Kazakhstan is faced with the need to introduce advanced technologies to increase its competitiveness and sustainable economic growth.

The purpose of this article is to analyze Kazakhstan's foreign economic policy, interaction with international organizations such as the World Trade Organization, the Eurasian Economic Union, as well as with the world's leading innovation centers. The key mechanisms through which Kazakhstan can gain access to international technology transfer are considered, including bilateral and multilateral agreements, international initiatives and programs, as well as the role of diplomatic and economic missions. Significant importance is dedicated to issues of legal regulation, intellectual property protection and the creation of a favorable investment environment to attract foreign investment in the high-tech sector.

It is expected that the active participation of the Foreign Ministry in this process will help Kazakhstan accelerate technological development and integration into the global economy.

MULTI-VECTOR POLICY AS A STRATEGY OF GEOPOLITICAL MANEUVER: CRITICAL GEOPOLITICS OF KAZAKHSTAN IN RELATIONS WITH RUSSIA AND CHINA AFTER 2022

Kuzembayeva A.B. — 2025-07-02

This article examines Kazakhstan’s evolving foreign policy strategy following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine and China’s growing assertiveness in Eurasia. Positioned at the crossroads of competing great power interests, Kazakhstan has amplified its multi-vector policy into a strategic tool of geopolitical maneuvering. While maintaining formal alliances—such as with Russia through the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO)—Kazakhstan simultaneously deepens economic ties with China via the Belt and Road Initiative and cultivates relationships with Western partners. This paper draws on critical geopolitics and discourse analysis to assess how Kazakhstan reconfigures its role from a peripheral actor to a regional norm entrepreneur.

Using a qualitative methodology grounded in the works of Ó Tuathail, Agnew, and Müller, the study analyzes official speeches, strategic documents, and regional policy narratives to unpack Kazakhstan’s spatial imaginaries and diplomatic signaling. It argues that Kazakhstan’s foreign policy reflects not only pragmatic hedging but also a deliberate discursive strategy to preserve sovereignty, recalibrate asymmetries, and assert agency in a contested multipolar order.

By contextualizing recent statements by President Tokayev—especially his vision of a self-sufficient and strategically cohesive Central Asia—the paper illuminates how Kazakhstan reclaims geopolitical subjectivity. The study contributes to understanding middle-power behavior under shifting global hierarchies and highlights Kazakhstan’s pursuit of autonomy through critical diplomatic balancing.

THE ROLE OF INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS IN PROMOTING WATER DIPLOMACY IN CENTRAL ASIA

Musagalieva G. — 2025-06-30

The transboundary water resources of Central Asia serve as a fundamental element for maintaining regional stability and achieving sustainable development in modern times. The research evaluates international organizations including the UN, World Bank, EU, OSCE and IFAS to develop water diplomacy for managing Amudarya and Syrdarya river basins. Content analysis of regulatory legal acts together with expert reports and comparative statistics on financing and water security have been used to identify three main areas of their activity which include developing a legal framework and financing infrastructure projects and mediating water disputes. The quantitative analysis reveals that infrastructure modernization receives more than 70% of funding but institutional development programs and local specialist training receive less than 10% of the total funds. The large discrepancies in water resources between Tajikistan at 8,500 m³/year per person and Uzbekistan at less than 3,000 m³/year create intensified inter-state conflicts which proves the necessity of effective diplomatic efforts. The EU-Central Asia Water Cooperation initiatives and OSCE mediation activities show that project success depends heavily on political party commitment and strategic alignment. The development of human potential receives special focus through training initiatives and negotiation platforms establishment. The research data allows to suggest improvements for the legal framework alongside funding diversification that focuses on educational programs and enhanced international organization coordination with regional governments. The research findings provide essential information to develop sustainable long-term strategies for climate change adaptation and water resources management in Central Asia.

STRATEGIC HEDGING BY MIDDLE POWERS IN A FRAGMENTED BIPOLAR ORDER

Seitkozha Y.Y. — 2025-07-02

This article reconceptualizes strategic hedging as a rational, multidimensional, and sustainable foreign policy strategy pursued by middle powers in response to a fragmented bipolar order. Using structured-focused comparison, it analyzes ten Global South countries, India, Türkiye, Indonesia, Brazil, South Africa, Mexico, Argentina, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, and Thailand, to evaluate the causal impact of three enabling conditions: structural asymmetry, institutional pluralism, and identity elasticity. The findings reveal that middle powers strategically exploit asymmetric dependencies, diverse institutional memberships, and discursive flexibility to hedge across economic, security, and institutional domains. The study offers a mid-range theory that integrates material, institutional, and ideational mechanisms to explain variation in the scope, depth, and durability of hedging behavior across cases.

ACTUAL PROBLEMS OF CYBERSECURITY RESEARCH IN MODERN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Sayatbek S.S. — 2025-07-02

In the modern world, in the context of intensive digitalization of the economy, cyberspace is recognized as the main factor in global security. This situation requires a revision of the norms of international law, improvement of mechanisms for cooperation between states. In this article, the authors aim to comprehensively analyze the current challenges of cybersecurity in international relations and make an attempt to propose ways to overcome them.

In this study, the authors conducted a comparative analysis of scientific papers and official documents for the period 2021-2025. The contradictions between the concept of “digital sovereignty” in cyberspace management and the need for global regulation are revealed. In addition, the authors point to the lack of international legally binding norms as the main difficulties in ensuring cybersecurity, the complexity of attributing cyber attacks, and the unfair distribution of resources.

The authors of the article argue that in order to strengthen cybersecurity, it is necessary to increase trust in states, improve the legal framework and expand international cooperation. It concludes that the security of cyberspace is the common interest of all mankind, so harmonious action and open dialogue should be the main priority.

THE “RUSSIAN WORLD” CONCEPT: CRITICAL GEOPOLITICS AND ITS POLITICAL AND IDEOLOGICAL ASPECTS

Ibadildin N. — 2025-07-01

This article analyzes the components of ideology of the contemporary regime of Russia namely the “Russian World” (Russkiy Mir), imagined communities, Eurasianism, and biopolitics – through the lens of critical geopolitics. The concept of the “Russian World” has increasingly occupied a central position in the Kremlin’s ideological narratives. It portrays Russia as a transnational civilization extending beyond its current political borders and uniting communities through language, history, and shared cultural values.

Imagined communities, as manifested in the idea of the “Russian World”, support this narrative by presenting these transnational ties as a complex and cohesive social construct. Eurasianism, revived as an ideological discourse following the collapse of the Soviet Union, seeks to define Russia as a distinct civilization – neither Western nor Eastern.

The methodology employed in this study draws upon logical and historical methods, as well as an analysis of the interconnections among the manifestations of the “Russian World”. The academic significance lies in elucidating the nature of this ideological construct, which serves to legitimize Russia’s geopolitical ambitions, particularly in relation to neighboring states. The practical relevance of this understanding lies in its utility for anticipating the range of tools and strategies ranging from soft to hard power, including hybrid forms deployed by Russia in its near abroad.

In relation to Kazakhstan, a soft version of the “Russian World” is applied; the most extreme form is applied to Ukraine, the so-called “special military operation”; while Belarus is an example of integration within the framework of the so-called Union State of Belarus and Russia. The conclusions of this article help to uncover the underlying essence and origins of the "Russian World" beyond propagandistic rhetoric, revealing its role as a vehicle for Russia’s aspiration to become one of the poles in the multipolar world order.

Funding: The research in the article was carried out with grant funding from the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan within the framework of the AP26100127 project “Improving the digital media literacy of Kazakhstanis in the context of the effectiveness of political communication”.

ANALYSIS OF BILATERAL COOPERATION BETWEEN ITALY AND KAZAKHSTAN: AN ENERGY PERSPECTIVE

Galagan M. — 2025-07-02

This scientific article provides critical assessment of bilateral relations between the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Italian Republic. The time frame of the study covers the period from the establishment of official diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1992 and the development of relations to the present day. The main objective of this study is to identify the energy aspect of cooperation through the study of key documents concluded between Italy and Kazakhstan, as well as joint meetings, events and forums, also using the findings of various authors, including, C. Dario, and P. Sorbello. In addition, the study uses data from open government resources of Italy and Kazakhstan, reports and data from international organizations.

A special attention is given to the strategic interests of Italy in this cooperation and the development of its presence through Italian energy company ENI in the energy sector of Kazakhstan. In addition, the study examines Italy's goals to diversify its energy supply sources, as well as Kazakhstan's desire to attract foreign investment. In addition, key areas of energy cooperation, such as the supply of sources and the exchange of technological experience, are analyzed. The author concludes the article by highlighting the strategic complementarity of cooperation between Italy and Kazakhstan and the importance of bilateral partnership for ensuring energy security of both countries.

This article may be useful to specialists in the field of international relations research, especially those interested in energy security issues.

ASTANA CENTER OF REGIONAL DIPLOMACY: AN OVERVIEW OF THE PRIORITIES OF KAZAKHSTAN’S CHAIRMANSHIP IN THE SCO

Igibayeva M. — 2025-06-30

Since its establishment in 2001, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization has always adhered to the “Shanghai spirit” of mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, mutual consultation, respect for cultural diversity and the pursuit of joint development, and continues to strengthen political mutual trust, expand good-neighborly and friendly relations, jointly protect regional security and develop practical cooperation, which It contributes to the constant growth of its influence, cohesion and attractiveness.

Kazakhstan paid great attention to the development of intraregional and transcontinental transport connectivity, which gives a powerful impetus to the expansion of trade and economic ties in Eurasia. Astana attracts a lot of attention to the integration of the Chinese initiative Belt and Road and the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, as well as the implementation of regional infrastructure projects in the SCO. Also, Kazakhstan proposed to create a Partner network of large strategic ports and logistics centers.

Kazakhstan’s initiative to adopt the document “On World Unity for Just Peace and Harmony”, which laid down the principles of strengthening confidence-building measures, maintaining stability and security at the global level. In addition, the SCO's traditional task of combating the “three forces of evil” and transnational crime remains in the focus of the chairmanship. Additionally, Kazakhstan's proposals include updated Cooperation Programs on countering terrorism, separatism and extremism for 2025-2027 and the adoption of the SCO Anti-Drug Strategy for 2024-2029 and an Action Program for its implementation.

Today, the SCO is a trans–regional international organization with the largest coverage area and the largest population in the world. This article analyzes the main decisions taken at the meeting of the Council of Heads of SCO Member States under the chairmanship of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Council of Heads of Government of the SCO Member States under the Chairmanship of the Republic of Kazakhstan in 2023-2024.

CENTRAL ASIA’S ROLE IN INTERNATIONAL SECURITY: THROUGH PEACEKEEPING FORCES

Almaz M.A. — 2025-07-02

This article aims to identify how Central Asian states have been involved in peacekeeping operations highlighting the changing role of the region, as a contributor to peace and security using Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan’s participation as case studies. It defines the reasons, obstacles and consequences of Asian countries participation in peacekeeping missions. Addressing this topic allows you to identify dynamics of peacekeeping efforts, regional security collaboration and the impact of Central Asian involvement in stabilizing conflict prone areas.

This article looks at how Central Asian countries use peacekeeping not just to support international stability, but also to raise their global profile, build modern and capable armed forces, and develop stronger relationships with key international partners. It explores these efforts through the lens of concepts like niche diplomacy, regional cooperation, and the desire for international recognition. Drawing on a close reading of official documents, regional agreements, and key peacekeeping efforts such as the creation of CENTRASBAT, the development of KazBAT, and the CSTO’s deployment to Kazakhstan in 2022, the article traces how these states have approached peacekeeping in a strategic and selective way. By comparing the Central Asian approach with examples from the African Union and European Union, it argues that the region is beginning to shape its own path as a security actor, balancing ambition with caution as it navigates a complex geopolitical landscape.