Blurring the Lines of Kazakhstan-Russia Relations

Kazakhstan is one of Russia's closest allies. Even now, Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev continues to acknowledge the deep cultural, security and economic ties between the two countries. And unlike other former Soviet states, Kazakhstan is firmly in Russia's camp. But Kazakhstan also knows the economic and military vulnerabilities of being too close to Russia. So Astana will take steps to establish alternative foreign ties and guard the country through domestic policies -- all while being careful not to alienate Moscow....