Mon Sep 23 22:31:19 UTC 2024: ## US Should Focus on Nuclear Nonproliferation, Rare Earths, and Trade Routes in Kazakhstan Relations

**Washington D.C. –** The United States should shift its focus in its relationship with Kazakhstan away from broad pronouncements on sovereignty and territorial integrity, and instead concentrate on areas of mutual benefit, argues Alex Little, a specialist in Russian and Central Asian affairs.

Little argues that US interests in Central Asia are limited, given its distance from the region and the presence of Russia and China. Instead, the US should concentrate on nuclear nonproliferation, rare earth minerals, and enhanced trade routes.

Kazakhstan, a key player in Central Asia, has emerged as a significant partner in nuclear nonproliferation. As the former site of Soviet nuclear testing, Kazakhstan closed its nuclear test site in 1991 and transferred all its nuclear weapons to Russia.

Little argues that Kazakhstan’s experience makes it a valuable partner in the current climate of strained US-Russia relations. Kazakhstan could act as a neutral mediator between the two nuclear powers.

Beyond nuclear nonproliferation, Kazakhstan also holds vast reserves of rare earth elements (REEs), vital for modern technology. While the US already imports uranium from Kazakhstan, further collaboration on REEs could benefit both countries. Little recommends leveraging the joint working group formed in 2022 on trade and economic cooperation on REEs.

Finally, Little advocates for promoting effective transit routes in the region. The Middle Corridor, a trade route connecting the Black Sea to the Central Asian steppe, provides a more efficient alternative to the Northern Corridor, which has been disrupted by the war in Ukraine.

By cooperating with China and other regional players, the US can secure a strategically important trade corridor.

Little concludes that shifting its focus to these specific areas of cooperation would foster a more balanced and productive relationship with Kazakhstan, promoting regional stability and prosperity.

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