Article: Analysis of economic diplomacy between Kazakhstan and Italy: development trends and prospect Journal: International Journal of Diplomacy and Economy (IJDIPE) 2026 Vol.12 No.6 pp.1 - 32 Abstract: Although economic diplomacy is central to foreign policy, little attention has been paid to how middle and emerging powers manage asymmetric economic relations. This paper examines Kazakhstan-Italy cooperation, focusing on the mechanisms, dynamics and prospects of bilateral economic diplomacy. Using a comparative, mixed-methods design, it examines bilateral agreements, trade and investment flows, and case studies of major Italian companies operating in Kazakhstan over the 2015-2025 period. The findings show that sectoral interdependence shapes diplomatic strategies: Kazakhstan relies on resource-based diplomacy, whereas Italy employs firm-centred economic statecraft supported by institutional engagement. The relationship generates mutual benefits but remains asymmetric because of Kazakhstan's dependence on energy exports and Italian corporate participation. The paper refines the understanding of middle-power economic diplomacy and recommends diversifying cooperation beyond hydrocarbons, strengthening institutional coordination and promoting technology transfer to improve the resilience and long-term effectiveness of bilateral engagement. Inderscience Publishers - linking academia, business and industry through research

Title: Analysis of economic diplomacy between Kazakhstan and Italy: development trends and prospect

Authors: Kulipa Baissultanova; Alessandro Figus; Zara Shaimordanova; Meirat M. Omarov; Aigerim Zhakyanova; Balzhan Nygmetova

Addresses: Kazakh Ablai Khan University of International Relations and World Languages, Almaty, Kazakhstan ' University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Cassino, Italy ' Kazakh Ablai Khan University of International Relations and World Languages, Almaty, Kazakhstan ' Kazakh Ablai Khan University of International Relations and World Languages, Almaty, Kazakhstan ' Kazakh Ablai Khan University of International Relations and World Languages, Almaty, Kazakhstan ' Kazakh Ablai Khan University of International Relations and World Languages, Almaty, Kazakhstan

Abstract: Although economic diplomacy is central to foreign policy, little attention has been paid to how middle and emerging powers manage asymmetric economic relations. This paper examines Kazakhstan-Italy cooperation, focusing on the mechanisms, dynamics and prospects of bilateral economic diplomacy. Using a comparative, mixed-methods design, it examines bilateral agreements, trade and investment flows, and case studies of major Italian companies operating in Kazakhstan over the 2015-2025 period. The findings show that sectoral interdependence shapes diplomatic strategies: Kazakhstan relies on resource-based diplomacy, whereas Italy employs firm-centred economic statecraft supported by institutional engagement. The relationship generates mutual benefits but remains asymmetric because of Kazakhstan's dependence on energy exports and Italian corporate participation. The paper refines the understanding of middle-power economic diplomacy and recommends diversifying cooperation beyond hydrocarbons, strengthening institutional coordination and promoting technology transfer to improve the resilience and long-term effectiveness of bilateral engagement.

Keywords: economic diplomacy; geo-economics; Kazakhstan-Italy relations; middle powers; energy cooperation; foreign economic policy; investment cooperation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJDIPE.2026.156485

International Journal of Diplomacy and Economy, 2026 Vol.12 No.6, pp.1 - 32

Received: 22 Apr 2026
Accepted: 14 Jul 2026
Published online: 21 Sep 2026 *

Title: Analysis of economic diplomacy between Kazakhstan and Italy: development trends and prospect

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