Since gaining independence in 1991, Kazakhstan's foreign and defense policies have consistenly followed a so-called multi-vector policy. Although Russia and China are clearly prirority relationships for Kazakshtan, Astana has sought to balance its ties to those states in both foreign and defense policies by cultivating mutually beneficial relations with other key global actors.
The recent US-NATO negotiations with Central Asian states and Russia to establish new supply routes to Afghanistan underscore the profound connections between Afghanistan and Central Asia, and the immense repercussions of the Afghan war for the latter. US intentions aren't surprising, given the intensifying Taliban attacks on the supply route via the Khyber Pass.
Aiming to build on its military success in Georgia, Russia is bringing pressure to bear on Azerbaijan. Moscow's intent is to coerce Baku into going along with the Kremlin's grand plan to remake the Caucasus' security and energy framework.
In the aftermath of Russia's incursion into Georgia, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev articulated a five-point program for Russian foreign policy, the central element of which is Moscow's supposed right to intervene in other states at will in order to defend Russian citizens abroad.
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev is set to embark on a potentially pivotal diplomatic tour during which he will strive to settle the contest to develop and export Caspian Basin energy in Moscow's favor.
A rivalry among East Asian states is intensifying over access to Central Asian energy. China to this point has been the clear leader among East Asian states in Central Asia. But Japan, South Korea and Malaysia are stepping up efforts to attract the attention of Central Asian energy suppliers.
The Kurdish issue, specifically the matter of establishing a homeland for Kurds, has complicated efforts to stabilize Iraq. Now, there is growing concern among international experts that the Kurdish question could become a source of tension, and possibly conflict in the South Caucasus.
Kosovo, specifically the impact of its independence on the geopolitical situation in the Black Sea and Caspian basins, stands to be a hot topic at NATO's April 2-4 summit in Bucharest.
In public appearances, Turkmenistan's leader Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov tends to maintain a stern visage, a look befitting a man who heads one of the most repressive states on earth. But in the great Caspian Basin energy game, Berdymukhamedov is playing the role of joker, a wild card that can at any moment tip the balance of forces.
