On 18 October 2024, the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) hosted a panel discussion titled “Kazakhstan as a Middle Power: Geopolitics, Critical Minerals, and Transport”, initiated by the British side. The event brought together experts from MIND, Maqsut Narikbayev University, along with representatives of leading British research centres and universities.
The discussion focused on key elements of Kazakhstan’s middle power strategy, echoing themes outlined by the Head of State during his speech at the Astana Think Tank Forum 2024. Participants examined Kazakhstan’s foreign policy initiatives and institutional reforms that underscore its growing role on the international stage. Particular attention was given to Astana’s efforts to deepen regional cooperation in Central Asia, the evolution of the C5+1 format, and the country’s potential in the extraction and processing of critical minerals, especially rare earth elements, positioning Kazakhstan as a key player in the global energy transition.
A significant part of the discussion was devoted to the Middle Corridor project, through which Kazakhstan partners with Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Georgia. This strategic initiative enhances economic connectivity between Central Asia and the South Caucasus, offering new pathways for integration and contributing to regional security and resilience.
The event was held with the support of the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the United Kingdom.
