Abstract:

This paper examines the key messages of government authorities in Russia and Kazakhstan over the preceding five years (2019 – 2024) concerning shared history of the two states and the reevaluation of the past in each. The analysis particularly uses effects of the Russia-Ukraine war on the statements delivered by the officials. Employing discourse analysis methodology, it investigates whether there have been shifts in the content of these messages over time. Additionally, the study explores the influence of official stances on nation-building processes and historical reassessment within both nations. Drawing on published materials by the presidents of two states, the research assesses the potential impact of historical politics on interstate relations between Russia and Kazakhstan. The analysis delves into the complexities of how governmental narratives shape perceptions of historical events and identities, shedding light on the dynamic interplay between historical discourse and contemporary geopolitical dynamics in the region. Through an interdisciplinary approach integrating political science with insights from history and international relations, this article aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of the multifaceted ways in which historical memory and political rhetoric intersect to shape national narratives and influence interactions among neighboring states with shared past.