Kazakhstan's Role as a "Middle Power"

Kazakhstan’s Role as a “Middle Power”: A Strategic Opportunity for Advancing Religious Freedom and Social Cohesion

On January 3rd, a detailed interview with Kazakhstani President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev was published in the Kazakh-language newspaper Ana Tili (Mother Tongue). The interview provides valuable insights into Kazakhstan’s foreign and domestic policies, highlighting its strategic priorities and reflecting on the legacy of past leadership. Among its central themes, President Tokayev identifies Kazakhstan as a “middle power” in a world facing a deficit of effective global leadership. This idea, along with other interview elements, highlights Kazakhstan’s clear and strategic understanding of its geopolitical role and aspiration for greater international influence while offering a pathway to achieve this status through a practical and inclusive framework for both domestic and regional engagement. This approach aligns seamlessly with LYNC’s vision of advancing Covenantal Pluralism¹ through its three enabling conditions: freedom of religion and belief, character development, and engagement, embodied in Cross-Cultural Religious Literacy (CCRL)²—key elements of LYNC’s mission in Eurasia.

Tokayev’s description of Kazakhstan’s middle-power status is firmly rooted in its geographical positioning, economic potential, and strategic importance in global geopolitics. Positioned as a bridge between East and West and as a connector of key regions such as Central Asia, Russia, and China, Kazakhstan naturally occupies a space of influence. Its steadfast support for multilateralism, exemplified through its commitment to the United Nations, reflects its potential to serve as a constructive force on the international stage. Tokayev further highlights the pivotal role of middle powers in fostering collaboration and reducing global tensions, stating:

As an organization dedicated to advancing religious freedom, social cohesion, and multi-faith collaboration, LYNC’s vision aligns perfectly with the responsibilities Tokayev attributes to middle powers. Kazakhstan’s leadership in these areas is already evident through initiatives like the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions and the implementation of CCRL programs. For a post-Soviet state navigating the complexities of religious freedom and national security, these efforts are both significant and transformative.

Kazakhstan’s role in fostering religious freedom and multi-faith engagement is not merely aspirational but actionable. LYNC’s CCRL programs exemplify this by equipping local leaders to facilitate dialogue and promote cross-sector collaboration. These initiatives strengthen governance and encourage responsible citizenship, setting a powerful example for other nations.