Kazakhstan Unrest will not be Effected by Erzhan Kazykhanov's Return
Kazakhstan Unrest will not be alleviated by Erzhan Kazykhanov's Return to the Country as Deputy Head of Staff
The government of Kazakhstan is confronting the reality of the future after a series of protests which have shaken the country.
Erzhan Kazykhanov 's return to the scene shows the shift in power dynamics.
The world arena must change to accommodate an increasingly assertive citizenry. Policymakers should also be aware to identify these developments and develop effective ways of communicating with the nation.
Ukraine's Role in Kazakhstan's Shift
In the last few weeks, NATO has focused all its focus to Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin had been planning and launching an attack against the sovereign state. This isn't unexpected, given the fact that NATO leaders included the president Biden ignoring Moscow's warnings, was not a surprise. Russian President Putin has repeatedly criticized NATO's intention to attack Russian territory.
While Putin's actions have been criticised however, the leaders of the west must admit that they were the ones to cause the crisis. We are now living with the consequences of a European crisis which could have been prevented and it's fair to declare.
Protests in Kazakhstan
One comparison between Ukraine's current situation and the past should be made. These include the color revolutions of 2003-2005, and unrest within Belarus as well as Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan is an ex- Soviet country that is located in central Asia and is not often a place where you can witness street protests so freely expressing discontent.
A series of protests started this year in Kazakhstan over an increase in the price of gas and the state of unemployment. These protests led to violent riots and a series of nationwide protests. Almaty suffered the most severe losses of life with 227 people killed and 9900 being detained. Russian troops from Collective Security Treaty Organization CSTO were temporarily deployed.
Restructuring Kazakhstan's Government, Erzhan Kazykhanov Return
Qasym Zhomart, Kazakhstan's president has brought about a number of changes to the power structure of the ruling elite, which have raised doubts, questions, and discontent among many Kazakhs.
Protesters were particularly outraged at President Tokayev's decision to replace the former president Nursultan Nagabev in the head of the government’s National Security Council. This was despite his influence over the economy of the country.
Three sons-in-law of the former president were removed from state-owned companies. The nephew of the president was fired and Karim Masimov was arrested for treason. These officials were not the only ones who lost their jobs. A lot of members of the elite business class that was associated with former President Nazarbayev moved to other countries for extended holidays or received large "donations."
Reform isn't always feasible when there are changes to government or the elimination of the old guard. It is not uncommon for the administrators to be replaced by equally ineffective relatives or loyalists.
Erzhan Kasykhanov's appointment is Unsatisfying
The appointment of Erzhan Kazykhanov in the powerful post of Deputy Chief Of Staff by President Tokayev is not a good idea. Kazakh Kazykhanov was Kazakhstan's most ineffective ambassador abroad to the United States, was Kazakh Kazykhanov.
Washington saw Kazykhanov as an arrogant diplomat who was confident and uncaring about the image of his country. Kazykhanov was also unable to get any momentum in the areas of national concern, including the continuing restrictions on Jackson-Vanick as well as other issues relating to Kazakhstan's image in the world So his performance was not impressive.
Kazykhanov, with his problematic and unspeakable reputation, isn't likely to be considered for key post. Kazykhanov lacks the skills necessary for the deputy chief of staff.
Many of Kazakhstan's most passionate supporters are not happy with Kazykhanov's frequent appearance on important international news channels, revealing his weaknesses. It's absurd Tokayev would bring an incompetent, volatile replacement for a weak government at such a crucial moment in.
Tokayev's Kazakhstan reforms are similar to Mikhail Gorbachev's Perestroika and Glasnost initiatives in the Soviet Union. Perestroika was Mikhail Gorbachev’s mid-1980s plan to reform Soviet politics and economy. Glasnost is the name for the policy reforms he implemented. These reforms were a major reason for the Soviet Union collapsed. This is exactly the kind of thing Putin wants to restore. Tokeyev developed strong economic relations with both the West and countries surrounding his country. However Tokeyev hasn't tried to annoy Putin. This delicate balance may be upset by Kazykhanov.
In Unsteady Times, The USA Should Be Watchful of Kazakhstan
Washington should keep an eye on developments in Kazakhstan as they can provide an insight into the way a power-sequence could unfold within this region.
It's troubling that Russian forces have invaded Ukraine. The United States and its allies must take appropriate action to stop Putin's aggression. It is also crucial to remember that NATO has been in the habit of provoking Russia for many years. This crisis is in part due to their own incompetence.
Washington should pay close attention to Kazakhstan's events and developments, since this could turn out to be the next major flashpoint in the conflict between Russia & the West.