Kazakhstan’s Approach to Trade Corridors in the Context of Hedging Strategy

OpenAlex Türkçe

This article focuses on how trade corridors serve not only as economic instruments, but also as strategic diplomacy tools, allowing Kazakhstan to manage its complex relations with the People’s Republic of China (China), the Russian Federation (Russia), and Western powers. Despite its reliance on its larger neighbors, Kazakhstan aims to maintain its sovereignty while diversifying its economic and political ties. Kazakhstan is fostering relations with China, Russia, the United States (US), the European Union (EU), and the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) to advance its economic and commercial interests, while simultaneously seeking partnerships and cooperation that address security concerns and balance regional and global powers. The paper employs a descriptive case study method to examine the adaptation of the hedging strategy to Kazakhstan. In this context, Kazakhstan’s strategy to managing risks and opportunities is examined in light of the connection of trade corridors and foreign policy. The study concluded that Kazakhstan’s efforts to reduce geopolitical risks, maintain balance among major powers, and strengthen regional stability have significantly strengthened its hedging strategy through economic corridors. Furthermore, it has been observed that Kazakhstan has increased its strategic autonomy by expanding its maneuvering space within the multi-actor international system.