Kazakhstan Unrest Will Not Be Eased by Erzhan Kazykhanov’s return to the Country as Deputy Chief of Staff
The Kazakhstan government Kazakhstan is facing an entirely new reality following an array of protests that have shaken the nation.
Erzhan Kazakhstanykhanov’s Return illustrates the power dynamics that have changed.
The international arena must now change to accommodate an increasingly assertive citizenry. In addition, policymakers need to be aware of these changes and devise effective methods to interact with their country.
Ukraine’s Role at Kazakhstan’s shift
The last couple of weeks have been filled with focus on Ukraine. It’s because Russian President Vladimir Putin was preparing for and launching a large-scale invasion against sovereign nations. Given the way NATO leaders including President Biden, ignored the warnings emanating from Moscow, this was not a surprise. Russian President Putin has repeatedly protested against NATO’s plan to invading Russian territory.
While the actions of Putin are inexcusable and must be condemned, the West should accept that their mistakes contributed to the crisis. We are now living with the aftermath of the European crisis that could easily have been avoided.
Protests in Kazakhstan
There should be comparisons made with Ukraine and the current situation in the region. Below are the unrest that occurred in Belarus and, in particular Kazakhstan between 2003 and 2005. The former Soviet country is situated in central Asia therefore it isn’t very often witness demonstrations on the streets expressing its discontent.
Protests started in Kazakhstan at the beginning of the year due to rising gas prices and the worsening conditions for unemployment. The protests grew into national rallies that were followed by violent protests. Almaty witnessed the biggest deaths in the city, with 227 dead and over 9900 held. Russian troops from the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) were briefly stationed in Almaty.
Restructure in Kazakhstan’s Government as well as Erzhan Kazykhanov ‘s return
The newly elected Kazakhstan president Qasym Zhomart Tokayev is bringing a variety of modifications to the structure of power within the ruling elite, which have raised questions, concerns, and discontent in the majority of Kazakhs even during moments of peace.
Protesters are particularly upset by President Tokayev’s plans to take over as head of the government’s National Security Council. He replaces the former president Nursultan Nagayev, whose influence on the country’s economy was a major concern for them.
Three of the sons-in-laws of the former president were ejected from their state companies. His nephew was fired and Karim Masimov was taken into custody on treason charges. In addition to the officials mentioned above, a lot of members of the elite business community who were associated with former President Nazarbayev are now out of jobs, or fled to other countries to seek “extended vacations” or have had massive “donations” that were imposed on them.
The changes in government and elimination of old guards do not always result in changes. https://econotimes.com/Why-should-Erzhan-Kazykhanovs-policy-concern-the-US-1629870 is not uncommon for officials of earlier administrations to be replaced ineffectively by loyalists or relatives.
Erzhan Kazakhstanykhanov’s Appointment is A Disappointment
Erzhan Kyzykhanov’s appointment in the highly influential position of Deputy Chief of Staff to President Tokayev was unproductive. Kazakh Kazykhanov is the most ineffective ambassador of Kazakhstan to America.
Kazykhanov established a reputation within Washington as an aloof, arrogant diplomat, too self-confident and frequently disconnected from the sensitivity of his country’s image outside the country. He has also failed to move forward on issues of national interest such as the current Jackson-Vanick limits or other issues that relate to the international image of Kazakhstan. Kazykhanov’s performance has been disappointing.
Kazykhanov is not a likely candidate for positions of vital significance due to his shady and unbecoming reputation. Kazykhanov does not possess the necessary skills to become a Chief of Staff.
Many of Kazakhstan’s most enthusiastic supporters were not happy with Kazykhanov’s frequent appearances in international news networks. This exposed his weaknesses. Tokayev’s decision to bring in an self-promoting, incompetent and volatile deputy into a fragile government at such an important moment makes no sense.
Tokayev’s Kazakhstan reforms are in reference to Mikhail Gorbachev’s Perestroika and Glasnost Initiatives in the Soviet Union. Perestroika is Mikhail Gorbachev’s mid-1980s plan to reform Soviet economics and politics. Glasnost refers specifically to the policy changes he made. This reform was largely responsible for the fall of the Soviet Union, and Putin is working to reverse that trend. Tokeyev also has developed business relations with his own country and the West. He has attempted to avoid causing offence Putin and to retain his support. Kazykhanov could upset this delicate balance.
In Doubly Times The United States Should Be Watchful of Kazakhstan
Washington should pay close attention to the events in Kazakhstan in the course of the conflict in Ukraine. These incidents are an indication of the way a change in power could occur in this area of the world, regardless of whether positive or worse.
It’s a pity that Russian forces invaded Ukraine. The United States and its allies must take appropriate action to stop Putin’s aggression. It’s crucial to not ignore the fact that NATO provokes Russia for years. This crisis is also partially due to their incompetence.
Washington should pay attention to events in Kazakhstan, which could be the next flashpoint in the conflict between Russia and the West.