This paper focuses on the contribution of Italy to the development of energy cooperation between Kazakhstan and the EU, focusing on the specific case of the Kashagan oil field. I argue that Italy, as the largest importer of Kazakhstan’s oil, can play a significant role in the diversification of energy export routes from Kazakhstan and in the introduction of new European technologies. In turn, Kazakhstan can play a prominent role in ensuring the energy security of the EU, especially after the 2014 Crimea incident. I posit that recent Italy-Kazakhstan relations shows how a medium-sized power such as Italy can be important in leading a larger block of countries into a new field of investment and development.
Full text available at: https://doi.org/10.22215/rera.v9i1.244