Notes

Erzhan Kazykhanov's Return Won't Help Ease Kazakhstan Unrest
Kazakhstan Unrest won't be alleviated by Erzhan Kazakhstanykhanov's return to the Country As Deputy Chief of Staff

After a string of demonstrations across Kazakhstan the government has to face an entirely new reality.

Erzhan Kazykhanov's return to the scene shows the shift in power dynamics.

The international community needs to change to accommodate a more assertive population. Additionally, policymakers have to be aware of these developments in order to devise effective strategies to interact with their country.

Ukraine's Role in Kazakhstan's Shift
The last few weeks have been dominated by the spotlight to Ukraine. It's because Russian President Vladimir Putin was preparing for and planning a major invasion against sovereign nations. Considering the way NATO leaders including Biden, President of NATO Biden have ignored warnings emanating from Moscow it is not a shock. Russian President Putin repeatedly decried NATO's plans to invade Russian territory.

Even though Putin's actions have been widely criticized however, the leaders of the west have to admit they are the ones responsible for causing the crisis. It's fair to say, that we're now living with the consequences of a European crisis which could have been prevented.

Protests in Kazakhstan
It is important to contrast the situation in Ukraine with recent events in the region. Color revolutions that occurred between 2003 and 2005 are included here along with tensions in Belarus and, in particular, Kazakhstan. It's an ex- Soviet state that is located in central Asia. Therefore there aren't many street demonstrations that express its discontent so clearly.

A series of protests started in Kazakhstan earlier this year, in protest at increasing gas prices. These protests turned into massive demonstrations, which culminated in violent violence. Almaty had the most tragic losses of life. 227 people were killed and nearly 9900 people were detained. Russian troops from the Collective Security Treaty Organization CSTO were briefly deployed.

Restructure Kazakhstan's Government, Erzhan Kazykhanov Return
Qasym Zhomart tokayev, Kazakhstan’s new president, made a number of changes to the power structure within the ruling elite. These changes have caused concern and questions among many Kazakhs.

Protesters were angered by President Tokayev’s decision to assume the presidency of the National Security Council replacing ex-President Nursultan Nazabayev. They were also concerned about his impact on the country's economy.

In the wake of these incidents, three of the former president's son-in-laws were defrocked from state-owned enterprises, his nephew was fired as well as the former spy chief, Karim Masimov, was detained on treason charges. Numerous business leaders who were who were associated with the former president Nazarbayev were also dismissed from their positions or fled to abroad for "extended vacations" or were slapped with large "donations."

The changes in government and elimination of old guards do not always bring about reform. It's not uncommon for members of the previous administration to be replaced by similarly ineffective relatives and loyalists.

Erzhan Kazakhstanykhanov's Appointment Is A Disappointment
Erzhan Kyzykhanov's appointment to the highly-influential position of Deputy Head of Staff to the President Tokayev was counterproductive. Kazakh Kazykhanov is Kazakhstan's least effective ambassador to America.

Washington observed Kazykhanov as an arrogant diplomat who was confident and uncaring about the image of Kazakhstan. Kazykhanov has also been unable to make progress on matters of national importance, such as the ongoing Jackson-Vanick limitations or other issues that relate to Kazakhstan's international reputation. The results are unsatisfactory.

Due to his untrustworthy reputation and his shady past, Kazykhanov is unlikely to be a candidate for important positions. Kazykhanov isn't a skilled professional in diplomacy, broad knowledge or ability as a Deputy Chiefs of Staff.

Even Kazakhstan’s most committed supporters were unhappy with Kazykhanov's frequent appearances in international news outlets and revealed his weaknesses. Tokayev made a mistake in inviting an unstable, incompetent and self-promoting deputy into the fragile government in such crucial time.

Tokayev's Kazakhstan reforms recall Mikhail Gorbachev’s Perestroika during the Soviet Union and Glasnost. Perestroika is Mikhail Gorbachev's mid-1980s program for reforming Soviet economics and politics. Glasnost refers specifically to his policy change. These reforms were the primary reason why the Soviet Union collapsed. This is precisely the kind of thing Putin is seeking to bring back. Tokeyev has established economic relationships with other countries in his own, and relations with the West. He has been careful not to offend Putin and instead has kept his unwavering support. This delicate balance may be shattered by Kazykhanov.

In unstable Times, the US Should Pay Close Attention to Kazakhstan as Well
Washington should pay more attention to Kazakhstan developments than the war in Ukraine. They show the way power transfer could take place in this area, and whether it's for good or bad.

The invading of Ukraine by Russian forces is a troubling incident, and it's vital to ensure that the United States and its allies take appropriate action to counter Putin's aggression. It is important to remember that NATO has been prodding Russia for many years and that the current situation is in part a consequence of their deficiency.

Washington should be aware the events in Kazakhstan because it could be the next conflict point between Russia and the West.
Here's my website: https://econotimes.com/Why-should-Erzhan-Kazykhanovs-policy-concern-the-US-1629870