ABSTRACT
Relations between Kazakhstan and Russia continued to be increasingly proactive after 2000. Security issues were one of the main drivers shaping relations between Kazakhstan and Russia during this period. Several factors stipulated the importance of security in the bilateral relationship. A further important aspect of the military cooperation between Russia and Kazakhstan was the training of Khazakstani officers under preferential conditions in Russia. In general, the role of energy in Russia-Kazakhstan relations became considerably more important in the second decade following the collapse of the USSR. In addition, Kazakhstan actively participated in forums of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), founded in 2001 in Shanghai by the leaders of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and China. The Republic's approach to identity and nation-building had both a direct and indirect influence on Kazakhstan-Russia relations. In general, the role of energy in Russia-Kazakhstan relations became considerably more important in the second decade following the collapse of the USSR.
