National Interest as a Philosophical Category: G7 Ideals and the Strategic Identity of Kazakhstan

Abstract

This article proposes a new definition of the philosophical concept of national interest, considering its ontological, epistemological, and moral aspects. It moves beyond the realist view, where interest is reduced to power and survival, and instead highlights how identity, recognition, and narrative shape the strategic behavior of states. The case of Kazakhstan is taken as an example: a post-Soviet, culturally diverse, and geopolitically uncertain country seeking its role in a liberal international order led by the G7. The study argues that Kazakhstan’s foreign policy is not only practical but also expressive. It reflects principles such as justice, pluralism, and civilization dialogue. Using insights from hermeneutics, phenomenology, and political ethics, Kazakhstan can be seen as a conceptual actor that reinterprets national interest through ethical engagement in global debates. This role is evident in initiatives like the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, multilateral diplomacy, and the “multi-vector” strategy. In doing so, the article contributes to ongoing discussions of international norms and legitimacy, showing the value of a plural and culturally informed understanding of state activity in global politics.