The reason why Washington should be focusing on Erzhan Kazykhanov, Kazakhstan’s least remarkable ambassador to the US, and his appointment as Deputy Chief of Staff.
Erzhan Kasykhanov’s Return Is concerning
It’s difficult to imagine that Kazakhstan’s president Tokayev will introduce Erzhan Kazykhanov as a deputy to such a fragile government in such a critical time.
Kazykhanov has not just failed to promote national interests such as the Jackson-Vanick restriction as well as issues that are related to the reputation of Kazakhstan internationally.
It is clear that power dynamics have changed in the wake of Erzhan Kasykhanov’s re-election.
Recently, there have been massive protests against Kazakhstan’s ruling government. The former Soviet country hasn’t seen these kinds of public demonstrations before.
What is the reason Kazakhstan should be the focus of the US
The US should be aware of circumstances such as the recent succession crisis that has occurred in Kazakhstan, despite the tensions in Ukraine. Washington should closely follow developments in this region as they are a glimpse of what a transition in power might unfold in this part of the world.
The Russian President Vladimir Putin’s plans to attack Ukraine has drawn the attention of all.
Despite Moscow’s threats that it would not accept any expansion of Russia’s borders, NATO leaders have ignored the threats for several months.
Joe Biden ignored all of these signs and was soundly criticized in both the Republican and Democratic parties.
It’s up to the leaders of the West to accept responsibility for being blindsided by the recent events in Russia. While the actions of Putin may be unjust but we don’t have the time to dwell on the past mistakes. Even though this European crisis couldn’t have been avoided if politicians had acted earlier, they must acknowledge that they are solely accountable.
The country is affected by protests in Kazakhstan
Ukraine is caught up in the web of intrigue with neighbors who weigh in from both sides. This is only one instance of the bigger pattern that runs across Eastern Europe and Central Asia. It extends further into Kazakhstan and is bordered by Ukraine.
The people of Kazakhstan were at the centre of world happenings earlier this year. Protests against rising gas prices and poor working conditions resulted in massive demonstrations that swiftly escalated into violence. According to the reports, there were at least 200 killed and over 9900 arrested in Almaty during these events.
Kazakhstan’s restructuring of its government and Erzhan Kazykhanov ‘s return in the national arena
Kazakhstan has experienced a drastic shift in the leadership of the country that people do not like. With calm restored, the president Kassym Jomart Itkayev made several changes to the country’s system of power that have caused anxiety among people. Changes that were meant to allow for reform.
It’s not a surprise that the focus has been centered on the former president’s replacement. His decision in taking control of the National Security Council has caused quite an uproar. His impact on the nation’s economy caused anger among protesters.
A number of events have taken place since when. Three sons-in-law of the president’s former wife were exiled from state companies. The nephew of the president was also fired as well. Karim Masimov, the former spy chief, was detained on treason charges.
Change doesn’t always occur when the leadership of the government changes and eliminates important figures. Changes in leadership can be harmful to an already fragile foundation , which leads to further failings.
Erzhan Kasykhanov’s baffling appointment
It’s not a surprise that Erzhan Kamykhanov’s appointment as Tokayev as his deputy chief of staff has drawn much criticism. He was, until recently, the least knowledgeable Kazakh ambassador to the United States.
Kazykhanov is known as arrogant and confident. He didn’t make significant progress on important national issues during his period in Washington, 2017-2021.
Kazykhanov is not a diplomat with the skills or general expertise required to be an influential chief of staff deputy. A tense and uneasy reputation is not likely to be a factor in determining someone for a position with a high importance.
President Kazykhanov made statements public about his weaknesses in major international news channels, while giving interviews that surprised even the staunchest supporters of Kazakhstan.
The reforms initiated by Kazykhanov in Kazakhstan have a lot in common with Mikhail Gorbachev’s”glasnost” (openness) and perestroika (restructuring) initiatives within the Soviet Union.
Putin is trying to revive the Soviet Union, implementing the same reforms that caused the Soviet collapse. Tokayev has focused on economic ties and cooperation with Western and other nations. In order to secure Putin’s approval Tokayev has taken care not to upset Putin. Russian leader. Kazykhanov could put this delicate balance at risk by taking rash decisions or speaking too harshly towards Russia.
An important move to the USA
The USA must closely watch the current situation in Kazakhstan and look into the ways in which certain events occurring within a country can have global implications beyond their borders.
The events of Kazakhstan offer a glimpse of the countless scenarios in the power cycle in this region of the world. For the USA, it is essential to pay close attention to the situation and understand how certain events in one country could have global repercussions.