Notes

Kazakhstan Unrest will not be Affected by Erzhan Kazykhanov’s Return
Kazakhstan Unrest will not be lessened by Erzhan Kazykhanov ’s Return to the Country as Deputy Head of Staff

The Kazakhstan government Kazakhstan is facing an entirely new reality following an array of protests that have shaken the country.

Erzhan Kasykhanov's return to the scene is an indication of the shift in power dynamics.

The international arena must now adapt to an increasingly assertive and empowered citizenry. These developments must be reflected in policymakers' plans to interact with their nation.

Ukraine's role in Kazakhstan's shift
The last few weeks have seen all eyes on Ukraine as Russian President Vladimir Putin has prepared and launched an invasion against a sovereign country. This shouldn't come as a surprise given the fact that NATO officials, including Biden, the President of NATO Biden have ignored warnings of Moscow. Russian President Putin has repeatedly rejected NATO's attempt to intrude on Russian territory.

While Putin's actions are inexcusable, it is true that western leaders contributed to the crisis. It is fair to say, that we're now living with the consequences of a European crisis which could have been prevented.

Protests against Kazakhstan
There should be comparisons made with Ukraine and the recent experience within the region. Below are the unrest that occurred in Belarus especially Kazakhstan, from 2003 to 2005. Since Kazakhstan is the former Soviet republic, it is rarely seen on the streets, expressing anger.

A series of protests started in Kazakhstan earlier in the year, in protest at increasing gas prices. These protests escalated into violent riots and rallies across the nation. Almaty was among the areas most affected, with 227 deaths and more than 9900 people being detained. The Russian soldiers from the Collective Security Treaty Organization, (CSTO) were temporarily deployed.

Restructuring in https://econotimes.com/Why-should-Erzhan-Kazykhanovs-policy-concern-the-US-1629870 as well as Erzhan Kazykhanov's return
Qasym Zhomart the president of Kazakhstan, has brought about several changes to the power structure of the ruling elite, which have raised concerns, questions, and discontent among many Kazakhs.

Protesters are especially upset over President Tokayev's plans to assume the headship of the government's National Security Council. He replaces the former president Nursultan Nagayev, whose impact on the country’s economy was a source of concern for them.

These events led to three sons-in-law of former President Nazarbayev getting removed from their positions and dismissed from state companies. Karim Masimov, the former spy chief was also detained on charges of treason. The officials involved were not the only ones who lost their jobs. Many members of the business elite who were associated with former President Nazarbayev moved to other countries for long vacations , or were given large "donations."

Reform isn't always feasible when there are changes in government or the removal of old guards. It is not uncommon to see members of an administration to be replaced by equally ineffective relatives or loyalists.

Erzhan Kamykhanov's selection is and disappointment
Erzhan Kazykhanov's elevation to President Tokayev's highly influential position of Deputy Chief of Staff is counter productive. Kazakh Kazykhanov was Kazakhstan's least effective ambassador to the United States, was Kazakh Kazykhanov.

Washington observed Kazykhanov as an arrogant diplomat who was too confident and aloof to care about the image of Kazakhstan. Kazykhanov was also unsuccessful in his attempts to improve on matters of national significance such as the Jackson-Vanick restrictions as well as other issues that affect Kazakhstan's reputation around the world.

Kazykhanov with his shady and unspeakable reputation, is not likely to be considered for key post. Deputy Chiefs of Staff require the ability to communicate, as well as a vast knowledge and competence that none of Kazykhanov is an expert in.

Many of Kazakhstan's most loyal supporters weren't happy with Kazykhanov's frequent appearances in international news channels that exposed his flaws. It is absurd that Tokayev is bringing the incompetent and volatile assistant to his fragile government at such an important moment in.

Tokayev's Kazakhstan reforms are reminiscent of Mikhail Gorbachev's Perestroika and Glasnost initiatives in the Soviet Union. Perestroika was Mikhail Gorbachev’s mid-1980s reform program to improve Soviet economy and politics. Glasnost is the name for the policy reforms he implemented. The Soviet Union fell largely because of these reforms. This is exactly what Putin is trying to restore. Tokeyev has established economic relationships with other countries within his own, and with the West. He is careful not to upset Putin and has instead maintained his unwavering support. The delicate balance of his life could be disturbed by Kazykhanov.

While Unsteady Times are abound, the United States Should Pay Particular Attention to Kazakhstan
Washington should pay attention to Kazakhstan's activities during the conflict in Ukraine. They are a preview of what a power succession might be like in this region of the world, either for better or worse.

The Russian invasion that is engulfing Ukraine is an alarming development. It is imperative that the United States (and its allies) adopt the necessary steps to combat Putin's aggression. But, it's important to remember the fact that NATO has been provocative to Russia for a long time, and this crisis is a direct consequence of their own mistakes.

Washington must pay attention to Kazakhstan which may prove pivotal in the conflict between Russia (West) and Russia (Russia).
Here's my website: https://econotimes.com/Why-should-Erzhan-Kazykhanovs-policy-concern-the-US-1629870