Abstract:

Kazakhstan is one of the major energy producers in Central Asia which has been pursuing a multi-vector foreign policy since independence. In this regard, this newly independent state after USSR is hosting various multinational energy companies operating from Russia, China, the US and Europe. The multilateral foreign policy implemented by Nazarbayev has had a significant impact on the country's energy policy over the last three decades. The multi-vector foreign policy and the privatization process, which influenced each other, have had a significant impact on energy security policy of Kazakhstan. Emphasizing good relations with global and regional powers, the country has maintained a relative balance with Russian, Western and Chinese companies. It is seen that Kazakhstan is implementing a defensive realist policy, especially when the great powers of the region are taken into consideration. This balance is visible in the role of companies in exploration projects, as well as in the development of pipelines for oil and gas transmission.

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