‘Russian Soft Power in Kazakhstan (and Central Asia): Taken for Granted?’ is a think piece, proposed by CAISS (Central Asia Institute for Strategic Studies) experts with an objective to (a) analyze the actors, instruments and costs of Russian soft power with a particular focus on Kazakhstan, (b) determine the perception of Russia in Kazakhstan both in political discourse and informational space and (c) compare Russian attempts to promote its soft power internationally (primarily for U.S. and EU) and in Kazakhstan as well as Central Asia. Furthermore, this memo also puts an emphasis on challenges and opportunities, Kazakhstan might face in terms of identity, nation-building and political cooperation with the Kremlin in days to come.