Kazakhstan's natural resources, booming economy, and strategic geographic location have made it an emerging star in world politics. Thanks in particular to the recovery of world oil prices during the last decade, the country has been able to enjoy a rising standard of living as well as acquire the capital to exploit investment opportunities in neighboring states. These nations in turn have eagerly sought to bolster trade and other economic ties with Kazakhstan.
Under President Nursultan Nazarbayev, who has been in office since Kazakhstan declared independence on Dec. 16, 1991, Kazakhstan has remained committed to a "multi-vector" foreign policy that tries to balance the influence of the great powers active in the region, promote regional political and economic cooperation through inter-regional organizations, and enhance Kazakhstan's economic development and international status. Kazakhstan's assumption of the chairmanship of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) this year marks a new phase in its foreign policy, giving it additional opportunities but also novel challenges. ...