Financial Times Names Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan Among “Mini-Middle Powers”
World
Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan could gain additional leverage in the emerging international order through their geographic position, energy resources and infrastructure. The Financial Times places them alongside Qatar and Oman in the category of “mini-middle powers” — countries with limited global influence but significant capabilities in specific strategic areas.
According to the FT, these states cannot independently set the global agenda, but they can influence international affairs through energy, transport routes, regional security, diplomatic mediation and other strategic areas.
Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan are key participants in the development of the Middle Corridor linking Asia and Europe, while Uzbekistan is strengthening its connections to the route. Its importance is growing as an alternative trade corridor between East and West.
Energy cooperation is another source of leverage. Regional countries are involved in developing the Caspian Green Energy Corridor, which envisages transmitting renewable energy from Central Asia through Azerbaijan toward European markets.
The FT also highlights the multi-vector foreign policies pursued by these states. They are simultaneously developing relations with Russia, China, Türkiye, the European Union and the United States, allowing them to preserve room for diplomatic manoeuvre.
Qatar and Oman rely primarily on their diplomatic and mediation capabilities. The FT argues that major powers seeking to strengthen their positions in the emerging international order will increasingly depend on the resources, transport routes and diplomatic channels controlled or facilitated by such states.
Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan are key participants in the development of the Middle Corridor linking Asia and Europe, while Uzbekistan is strengthening its connections to the route. Its importance is growing as an alternative trade corridor between East and West.
Energy cooperation is another source of leverage. Regional countries are involved in developing the Caspian Green Energy Corridor, which envisages transmitting renewable energy from Central Asia through Azerbaijan toward European markets.
The FT also highlights the multi-vector foreign policies pursued by these states. They are simultaneously developing relations with Russia, China, Türkiye, the European Union and the United States, allowing them to preserve room for diplomatic manoeuvre.
Qatar and Oman rely primarily on their diplomatic and mediation capabilities. The FT argues that major powers seeking to strengthen their positions in the emerging international order will increasingly depend on the resources, transport routes and diplomatic channels controlled or facilitated by such states.
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