On becoming a development cooperation partner: Kazakhstan’s foreign policy, identity, and international norms

Abstract

This article joins the discussion on foreign aid triggered by the rise of multiplicity of emerging donors in international development. Informed by the constructivist framework of analysis, this article evaluates the philosophy and core features of Kazakhstan’s chosen development aid model and explains the factors that account for the construction of distinct aid patterns of Kazakh donorship. This article asserts that Kazakhstan embraces a hybrid identity as a foreign aid provider through combining features and characteristics pertaining to both—emerging and traditional donors. On one hand, it discursively constructed its identity as a “development cooperation partner,” adopting the relevant discourse of mutual benefit, respect for sovereignty, and non-interference, which places it among those providers that actively associate themselves with the community of “emerging donors.” On the other hand, it selectively complies with policies and practices advocated by traditional donors. This study suggests that a combination of domestic and international factors played an important role in shaping Kazakhstan’s understanding of the aid-giving practices, and subsequently determined its constructed aid modality.

Japan’s Normative Power in Central Asia: Norms, Development Cooperation, and the Long-lasting Partnership

“…Contributions to the rather sparse literature on Kazakhstan's ODA conclude that Kazakhstan has a hybrid identity as a donor, adopting the "relevant discourse of mutual respect and non-interference" on the one hand, and "selectively compl[ying] with policies and practices of the OECD-DAC camp" (Insebayeva, 2020). In other words, Kazakhstan shares key features with Japan in its approach to aid-giving.…”

“…Japan guided Kazakhstan forward through a “learning by doing” approach, which traditionally guides Japan’s technical transfer activities. As Insebayeva (2020) explains the development and implementation of pilot projects became a key part of the establishment of Kazakhstan's ODA system. The “Assistance to Kazakhstan in cooperation with Afghanistan in the field of official development assistance” (2017–2018) project was developed with the help of the UNDP and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (Interview (2) 2017; Interview (2) 2019).…”

Strengthening Reintegration through Social Capital: Learning from Aceh, Indonesia

“…Its effectiveness relies on its capacity to appreciate and encourage the existing culture and human assets within the community. The process of shaping a community should be mindful of local norms, culture, and identity (Nafissa, 2020). Consequently, the way community members perceive themselves transforms, leading to a shift in their perspective on life (Chandler, 2021).…”

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