Kazakhstan is rising as a middle power country, says David Aptsiauri

We should not forget that we’re not over pandemic consequences. We just perceived a lot of new benefits in terms of overrunning it, but it’s still on the agenda. In addition, we have the crisis in Ukraine, the Middle East, a combination of crises named as polycrisis that drastically changed the fundamental principles of the basics of the world politics and economics.

Especially, it’s been sensitive in terms of communication that sharply affects friendship relations, transport and all kinds of activity. So, now we’re in search for better solutions for what to do. There are two options whether to set up a new agenda, new models or to reshape, modernize the previous, old one, said David Aptsiauri. 

The Georgian expert noted that there are two basic elements when we make the characteristics of middle power countries: their resources, location, military strength and the second element is the ability to be active in international agenda, to promote certain activities and so on. “But it’s a bit limited. So, it’s the reality,” he added.

So, to overrun that kind of reality, I think that a focus should be made on pure commercially motivated projects. And in this sense, the Middle Corridor is the case, when we can combine the interests of global players, regional players and small players - producers, sellers and providers, said David Aptsiauri.

He pointed out that the countries of South and Central Asia definitely are now becoming geopolitically and geoeconomically important, especially in the post pandemic stage. The expert also highlighted the role of China in that process. “Of course, this is a very good opportunity for all,” he noted, also adding that “the Middle Corridor is becoming more important, more effective”.

So, the other case you know that middle power countries, they used to be regarded as countries for development projects, mostly as the donor community, that is also changing today. Donors are becoming recipients and recipients are becoming partially donors. But, if you mention the remarks of President Tokayev today regarding the establishment of the Kazakh Aid Agency, so it’s a very important remark. What does it mean? That means that Kazakhstan as a middle power country is rising and now despite its own challenges here, it’s focusing now attention to development projects, assistance to others, said David Aptsiauri.

He added that the region becomes the place for headquarters of many important international agencies. "The relocation of the headquarters to Astana, Kazakhstan, so it’s a very important message. I think it’s a new reality, and it’s a good chance for middle power countries to make a positive contribution to minimize the risks that originate from global confrontations. And the Middle Corridor is a promising project in this aspect," he said.