Águias nas estepes, ursos nas fronteiras: nacionalismo cazaque e seus dilemas da política externa do Cazaquistão no contexto da Guerra da Ucrânia (2022-2025)

Abstract

This study examines the influence of nationalism on Kazakhstan’s foreign policy towards the Russian Federation in the post-2022 period, particularly regarding the Russia–Ukraine conflict implications on the State’s security. It aims to understand how Kazakh nationalist discourse asserts state sovereignty while maintaining strategic ties with Russia, balancing autonomy and dependence. The research adopts a qualitative approach, analyzing political speeches, official documents, and leaders’ statements, combined with a literature review on nationalism and international relations theory, alongside historical and contemporary analysis of national identity and foreign policy. Findings indicate that nationalist discourse is mobilized pragmatically, allowing Kazakhstan to reinforce independence without foregoing its integration within the Eurasian space. The study concludes that nationalism serves as a central element in legitimizing the country’s current diplomatic acts. This research contributes to understanding the discursive mechanisms underlying Kazakhstan’s foreign policy, showing that nationalist narratives are essential to consolidating its regional position and multi-vectorial international status, even amid pressure from traditional actors such as Russia.