Kazakh — Russian Cooperation as the Core of Eurasian Integration: A Comparative Study of Bilateral Relations between the Russian Federation and the Post-Soviet Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan

Abstract

Current paper is a study of a unique link tying Russia and Kazakhstan, particularly, its resistant, yet flexible nature in developing amicable relations and a thriving economic exchange with Russia, which has not been achieved by any other post-Soviet state. The study finds that the overall success of the foreign policy has been driven by Kazakhstan’s endowments in energy, industrial, and security sectors, leveraged by canny leadership of its elite. The chosen method is a comparative analysis of Russia's relations with Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan via a study of historical links, role of political elites, international agreements, state visits, and trade.

Keywords: Post-Soviet regionalism, Eurasian integration, international law, international trade, elite networks, energy policy, Central Asia, Kazakhstan

JEL Classification: A14, B15, B25, F15, H77, K00