Kazakhstan traditionally occupies a strategic position in the center of the Eurasian space. For Astana, the concept of Greater Eurasia is not an abstract geopolitical formula, but a real multi-level environment of opportunities, including economic, cultural, educational and technological areas. In the Kazakh perception, this model is based on the principles of polycentricity and complementarity, when large and medium-sized players in the region, such as Russia, China, the countries of Central Asia, South Asia and the Middle East build sustainable ties, rather than compete for zones of influence.
Kazakhstan’s approach to Greater Eurasia combines pragmatism and diversification. From an economic point of view, the country seeks to avoid excessive dependence on one direction by building a network of multimodal transport corridors. In addition to the traditional northern route through Russia, the North-South projects with access via the Caspian Sea and Iran, the Trans-Caspian international transport route through Azerbaijan and Turkey, as well as the modernisation of the Trans-Siberian Railway with branches passing through the territory of Kazakhstan are of particular importance. Data from the Eurasian Economic Commission confirm the systemic importance of Russia as the main trading partner within the EAEU, which accounts for about a quarter of Kazakhstan’s foreign trade turnover. At the same time, the role of China, Turkey and the Persian Gulf states is noticeably increasing, which forms a more balanced geo-economic configuration.
To strengthen the argumentation and visually confirm the systemic nature of the integration processes, it is advisable to provide statistical and analytical data reflecting the key trends in Kazakhstan’s foreign trade, transit and energy. Thus, according to official data, Kazakhstan’s foreign trade turnover in 2025 exceeded $65.9 billion, with China and Russia accounting for more than half of the country’s imports and exports, and trade with China reaching a record $44 billion. The transport and logistics sector is showing steady growth: in 2024, more than 27 million tons of transit cargo passed through Kazakhstan, and by 2035, an increase to 100 million tons is projected.
The energy component also strengthens Kazakhstan’s role in Greater Eurasia: the republic provides over 40% of the world’s uranium production, which consolidates its status as a strategic partner in nuclear energy, and in 2024, the production volume amounted to 23.2 thousand tons. At the same time, the country is actively developing renewable sources: if in 2013 their share in the energy balance did not exceed 1%, then in 2023 it reached 5%, and by 2030, an increase to 15% is planned.
These figures clearly show that Kazakhstan is not only a transit and trade hub of Eurasia, but also an energy center that combines traditional leadership in the nuclear sphere with a long-term course towards a “green” economy. Energy cooperation, including joint projects in the nuclear industry, occupies a special place in the integration process. Thus, within the framework of interaction with Rosatom, a roadmap is being implemented for the construction of the first nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan, accompanied by educational initiatives such as the Atom IQ program, aimed at training specialists and forming a personnel reserve. These projects clearly demonstrate that for Kazakhstan, technological alliances are an integral part of greater Eurasian integration.
The humanitarian and cultural-educational components in Kazakh-Russian relations are perceived as an infrastructure of trust, and not as a secondary background for political and economic interaction. It is estimated that about 70% of international cultural events in Kazakhstan are somehow related to Russia. Over 800 joint cultural and educational events were held between 2019 and 2025. The Russian language remains a significant element of social and business communication: 84% of the population speaks Russian, and about three million ethnic Russians live in the country.
An important part of cultural integration is the activities of branches of leading Russian universities in Kazakhstan, from Moscow State University and Moscow Aviation Institute to MEPhI and Mendeleyev University of Chemical Technology. MGIMO will join them in September 2025. These educational centers allow integrating scientific and educational programs with technological and industrial projects, providing staff for joint initiatives.
Cooperation in the field of training workers and raising the status of blue-collar jobs is of particular importance in Eurasian integration. Kazakhstan, like many countries in the region, faces a shortage of qualified specialists in the fields of industry, transport, energy and construction. In the context of implementing large infrastructure and technological projects, blue-collar jobs are becoming the foundation for economic growth. In this regard, Kazakhstan is actively developing mechanisms for dual education and partnerships between colleges, universities and enterprises, which allows combining theoretical training with practical training in production. Joint educational programs with Russia and other EAEU countries in such industries as mechanical engineering, nuclear energy and logistics are forming a new generation of blue-collar workers who are proficient in modern technologies and capable of working in a globally competitive environment. Government and business support for initiatives aimed at raising the social status of blue-collar jobs, creating professional skills competitions and integrating into international qualification standards are becoming an important part of Kazakhstan’s strategy in Greater Eurasia, where the competitiveness of the economy directly depends on the quality of human capital.
In addition to academic and professional cooperation, the Russian Seasons projects, the VTB United Basketball League, the Lev Yashin Academy and other events where businesses, government agencies and public organisations find common ground make a significant contribution to the cultural and humanitarian agenda. Such formats help reduce transaction costs during negotiations and speed up the approval of joint decisions.
The expert community of Kazakhstan identifies several priority areas for the country’s participation within Greater Eurasia. First, this is transport and logistics integration, which allows connecting China, Russia, Europe, Iran and India into a single network of sustainable corridors. Second, the development of technological alliances in such areas as energy (including renewable energy sources and nuclear energy), mechanical engineering, digitalisation and advanced technologies. Third, deepening educational interaction through academic mobility, joint research centers and projects to train personnel for priority industries. And finally, the formation of permanent cultural and humanitarian platforms with a predictable calendar of annual events that combine business and cultural agendas.
However, along with opportunities, challenges also remain. These include the politicisation of humanitarian projects, when cultural interaction becomes hostage to the current political situation; sanctions restrictions affect technological and financial cooperation; competition between transport routes, especially in the context of global instability; as well as the need to harmonize technical standards and regulatory frameworks between various participants in integration processes.
Taken together, this forms Kazakhstan’s understanding of Greater Eurasia as an instrument for balancing interests, where the development of ” infrastructure of trust ” plays a key role. This means not only physical transport or energy infrastructure, but also a complex of cultural, educational and scientific ties that create a predictable and stable environment for business and public interaction.
For the successful implementation of the Eurasian potential, it is important to maintain the supra-political and inclusive nature of humanitarian initiatives, ensure the transparency and regularity of joint projects, and develop multilateral formats in which Kazakhstan could act as a mediator and coordinator. Synchronisation of cultural and business calendars, linking educational programs with specific technological projects and strengthening multimodal routes with the participation of Russia and other partners can increase the sustainability of the entire architecture of Greater Eurasia.
Thus, Kazakhstan perceives the Greater Eurasia as a space of pragmatic multi-format integration, where economic and cultural-humanitarian ties mutually reinforce each other. Based on its transit and political potential, the country is ready to play the role of one of the key architects of this integration space, combining the interests of regional and global actors in a single model of cooperation.
The Valdai Discussion Club was established in 2004. It is named after Lake Valdai, which is located close to Veliky Novgorod, where the Club’s first meeting took place.
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