Resource nationalism old and new: the case of oil and critical raw materials in Kazakhstan

Serik Orazgaliyev, Mereke Tanaguzova and Arman Mussin

Chapter 34 in Handbook of Resource Nationalism, 2026, pp 544-556 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: This chapter examines the evolution of resource nationalism in Kazakhstan, focusing on both the petroleum and critical raw materials sectors. It argues that Kazakhstan's state interventions—while seeking higher revenues from natural resources—are rooted in a broader developmental strategy aimed at fostering domestic capacity, particularly through national champions such as Kazmunaygas and Kazatomprom. Drawing parallels with historical participation doctrines in countries like Saudi Arabia, the study highlights Kazakhstan's preference for regulatory reforms and strategic partnerships over outright expropriation. The chapter also explores the extension of this approach into critical raw materials such as uranium and rare earth elements, reflecting continuity in policy objectives amid changing global energy dynamics. Kazakhstan's resource governance blends foreign investment with national control, positioning the country as a strategic global supplier of energy and transition-critical minerals. The findings underscore a nuanced form of resource nationalism that prioritises long-term national development over short-term rent extraction.

Keywords: Kazakhstan; Resource Nationalism; Critical Minerals; Oil Sector; State Participation; Foreign Investment (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
ISBN: 9781035333431
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