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Small state as order-maker: the case of Kazakhstan’s Eurasian Union project

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  • Birzhan Bakumbayev

Abstract

This paper conceptualizes a small state as an order-maker. As specified by international relations theory, a small state is an order-taker rather than an order-maker because it is the privilege of great power to be an order-maker. However, this paper argues that small states can behave as order-makers. The case of Kazakhstan’s Eurasian Union (EAU) project announced in 1994 is an example of how post-independent Kazakhstan undertook order-making in the absence of great power after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Crucially, the EAU initiative meant not to challenge or oppose post-Soviet integration but to correct the course of regional integration from “disintegration” toward a new regional integration in the post-Soviet regional context. Thus, this paper concludes that when there is no great power, small states can behave as order-makers in a specific issue area and in the role of issue-corrector.

Suggested Citation

  • Birzhan Bakumbayev, 2025. "Small state as order-maker: the case of Kazakhstan’s Eurasian Union project," Post-Soviet Affairs, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 41(3), pages 219-241, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:rpsaxx:v:41:y:2025:i:3:p:219-241
    DOI: 10.1080/1060586X.2025.2486892
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