Notes

Why should Erzhan Kamykhanov's policies concern America?
Why Washington should be paying attention to Erzhan Kazykhanov (Kazakhstan's least respected ambassador to the US) and his appointment to the position of Deputy Chief of Staff.

Erzhan Kykhanov's return has raised concerns

It's hard to believe that Kazakhstan's President Tokayev would introduce Erzhan Kazykhanov as a deputy to a government that is in a state of desperation during such critical times.

Kazykhanov not only has not been able to address concerns of national importance including the Jackson-Vanick limits that continue as well as issues related to Kazakhstan's image abroad.

It is clear that power dynamics have changed in the wake of Erzhan Kasykhanov's reelection.

In recent weeks, mass protests against the government of Kazakhstan have been witnessed. This kind of protest has never been seen in the former Soviet country.

The reason why the US should also pay attention to Kazakhstan

The US must be on the lookout for developments such as the Kazakhstan succession crisis, even though the war in Ukraine is still ongoing. Washington must be on the lookout for developments in this region as they represent a preview of how a power transition might unfold in this part of the world.

Ukraine was the first nation to be observed by the world at large when Russian President Vladimir Putin made preparations for an invasion of the sovereign nation.

Despite Moscow's warnings that it will not accept any expansion into Russia's borders NATO leaders ignored all indications for several months.

First, Joe Biden ignored these indications, and was then criticized by both sides in the current crisis.

The West needs to acknowledge that they weren't blindsided by Russia's recent events. While the actions of Putin are unacceptably, this is no time to dwell on past mistakes, and although this European situation could have been prevented had they acted sooner the West must recognize that they only are to blame.

Protests in Kazakhstan have shaken the nation

Ukraine is located between two parts of an intrigue web. In fact, this situation is part of a broader pattern that is apparent throughout Eastern Europe and Central Asia and across the border to the neighbouring Kazakhstan.

In the midst of all the happenings around the globe the citizens of Kazakhstan were caught up earlier in this year. Protests against high gas prices and poor conditions at work and other issues triggered national rallies which quickly turned violent. Over 9900 arrests were made and more than 200 people were killed in Almaty.

Kazakhstan's government reforms as well as Erzhan Kasykhanov's return to Kazakhstan's national arena

The sudden change in the leadership of Kazakhstan is something many do not like. The peace has been restored and President Kassym JomartTokayev has made alterations to the power structure in Kazakhstan that have raised concern. These were changes that would allow the possibility of reform.

It's not surprising that the spotlight is on Nazarbayev's predecessor, Tokayev. The decision to take control over the National Security Council has caused quite some controversy. The impact of his decisions on the economics of this nation has angered protesters.

Numerous events have taken place since when. The former president's sons in law were removed from the state enterprises three times and his nephew was also fired and Karim Masimov was detained for treason.

Reform cannot always be achieved through a change in government leadership or cutting key people. Changes in leadership can be detrimental to an already fragile base, leading to further failings.

Erzhan Kamykhanov's sad appointment

It's not surprising that Erzhan Kasykhanov was criticised for his role as Tokayev's deputy chief-of-staff. To date, he was the least knowledgeable Kazakh ambassador for the United States.

Kazykhanov is well-known for his arrogant personality and overconfident demeanor. Kazykhanov did not make progress on important questions of national concern during his Washington period from 2017 until 2020.

Kazykhanov does not have the skills of a diplomat or general expertise required to be an influential deputy chief of staff. Being a sour and troublesome reputation is not likely to be a factor in determining anyone for a position that is crucially important.

President Kazykhanov has been adamant about his shortcomings on the major news networks of the world, giving interviews that have upset even the most staunch supporters of Kazakhstan.

Kazykhanov's Kazakhstan reforms are very similar to Mikhail Gorbachev’s perestroika and the glasnost initiative in the Soviet Union.

Putin is working to restore the Soviet Union, implementing the same reforms that caused the Soviet collapse. Tokayev has also been focusing on economic ties and cooperation with Western and other countries. To maintain Putin's trust Tokayev was careful to not to anger Putin. Kazykhanov's rash decisions and his open critiques of Russia could upset this delicate balance.

A crucial step in the USA

USA must be monitoring the situation in Kazakhstan to see whether there are any global implications.

The events that took place in Kazakhstan provide a glimpse into the many scenarios that could unfold in this region of the globe. The USA must pay attention to the situation and examine the ways in which events occurring in one country can have global consequences.
Read More: https://www.asian-tapas.com/why-do-erzhan-kasykhanovs-us-related-policies-be-of-concern-to-the-us/