The Construction Of Kazakhstan 's National Identity

Since the1980s, international political studies and globalization theory has concentrated on western state models and norms, but it has become clear that the developing world is quite unlike the west and often adheres to contradicting development norms. Students of international politics and globalization theory often pay lip service to the importance of emerging powers such as China, Russia, and India, but little quality research has been done regarding their influence on norm development in International Society.This thesis attempts to add some much needed quality research regarding Chinese influences on International Society and global norm development. This thesis uses the case of Kazakh state identity development to illustrate Chinese influences of state identity development in the developing world and global norms in general. First, this thesis attempts to lay a theoretical foundation for analysis using national identity theory and the constructivist theory of international relations. Next, I describe how Kazakhstan, as in most developing states, has not walked a traditional path of identity development. Finally, this thesis describes international society’s influence on Kazakh identity development, with a strong focus on China’s role.