Energy Security of a Rentier State: A Case Study of Kazakhstan

• Published in: Central Asia 2020-01, Vol.85 (Winter), p.25-40
• Main Authors: Siraj, Uzma, Afridi, Manzoor Khan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1729-9802; 2706-8102
• DOI: 10.54418/ca-85.9

As modern world run on oil, the unprecedented rise in oil consumption during last century has generated daunting energy security challenges for the oil producing states. It is simultaneously important for energy import dependent nations and exporting nations. However, exporting nations face some captious challenges. In former Soviet Republics, Kazakhstan is one of the richest oil producing state whose over reliance on rent generated by oil exports presents daunting energy security challenges for the states at internal and external levels. On the one hand, Kazakhstan’s economic development owes a great deal to the oil rent. On the other hand, it is also responsible for Kazakhstan’s struggle in establishing a strong democratic political system. In addition, generating rent income face severe security challenges at external level.  The involvement of external powers in Kazakh oil sector, pipeline infrastructure and threats posed by­­­­­ non-state actors, make the whole scenario a great challenge for Kazakhstan. The study examines the challenges rentierism has generated for Kazakhstan at internal and external levels.