Astana Think Tank Forum explores role of Middle Powers in the global order

The Astana Think Tank Forum 2024 began on 16 October in the capital of Kazakhstan, focusing on the theme 'Middle Powers in a Changing Global Order: Strengthening Security, Stability, and Sustainable Development', writes James Drew.

The forum, held under the auspices of the Astana International Forum, brought together 45 experts from 22 nations, including leaders from international analytical centers, researchers, specialists, and diplomats. The discussions centered on the principles of middle power diplomacy and its strategic significance in the contemporary global context.

Kazakh First Deputy Foreign Minister Akan Rakhmetullin emphasized that the forum fosters "track 2" diplomacy, allowing analysts, researchers, and policymakers to exchange ideas and collaborate on solutions to complex international challenges in a collegial and open atmosphere. “Despite the ongoing geopolitical challenges globally, our foreign policy principles remain steadfast. We uphold the essential tenets of a multi-vector approach, balance, pragmatism, and the safeguarding of national interests,” he said.

Dino Patti Djalal, founder and chairman of the Indonesian Foreign Policy Community, articulated that the concept of a middle power encompasses two dimensions. “The first dimension pertains to capacity, which includes factors such as size (both territorial and demographic), influence (political-diplomatic and economic), and aspirations (regional and global). The second dimension involves maintaining a balanced and moderate stance. For instance, Kazakhstan exemplifies a middle power today more than ever, owing to its enhanced potential and strategic positioning.”

Speaking during the plenary session, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Kemeluly Tokayev (pictured) said: “As the global political landscape evolves, nations around the world face urgent challenges such as climate change, pandemics, cybersecurity threats, and geopolitical instability — complex problems that no single country can address in isolation. Tackling these issues demands collective action, international partnerships, and evolving diplomatic strategies, all of which are crucial in shaping the future of global geopolitics.

“The Astana Think Tank Forum 2024 provided a vital platform for over 50 leading international experts to exchange insights and advocate for a multilateral, interconnected global order. This collaborative spirit was exemplified in the session, ‘Guiding International Peace: A Call for Mediators,’ where think tank leaders and researchers examined the unique potential of middle powers to mediate global tensions and conflicts.

“Kazakhstan, as a prominent middle power, was ideally positioned to host and spearhead these conversations on the global political landscape. The event’s success was greatly enhanced by its setting in Astana, which allowed think tank leaders, researchers, and other global experts to engage with one another in meaningful dialogue.”

The sponsors of the Astana Think Tank Forum were ERG, Kazakhmys Corporation LLC and Central-Asian Institute of Enviromental Research (CAIER).

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