Notes

Russia's Role as a Shifting Power Dynamics of Kazakhstan Erzhan Kazykhanov
The Russian invasion, as well the protests in Kazakhstan are interrelated.

Kazakhstan's government has to face the new realities that have emerged following unprecedented protests. Power dynamics have shifted and policymakers have to adapt to an increasingly assertive citizenry.

They should also be aware of the effects these changes will have on how they interact with their country in the future.

Russian Invasion was Expected but ignored by the United States
When Russian President Vladimir Putin launches a massive attack against an East-European sovereign country, the attention of everyone is at Ukraine.

It's easy for NATO leaders such as Joe Biden to forget that Moscow was warning them for months.

It was evident that Russia was hostile to NATO's plans to expand its boundaries. However, most Western leaders did not do anything but to talk tough to hide their inability to do anything.

Erzhan Kazykhanov Russia's actions can't be accepted and Western leaders must acknowledge that their actions contributed to the current crisis. In reality, we are now living with the effects of the European crisis that could have been prevented.

The United States should exercise caution in applying the same method to Kazakhstan.

Erzhan Kazykhanov Russia Send Troops to try and contain the Protests In Kazakhstan
Ukraine's unfolding situation should be considered in relation to recent events happening in the region. Not just the color revolutions from 2003 to 2005, but also the more recent unrest in Belarus, and particularly Kazakhstan.

Kazakhstan is the largest central Asian country. It shares its borders with Russia and China close to it on one side and Kazakhstan on the other. There aren't many indicators of discontent on the streets of Kazakhstan.

Unrest was already increasing in this country as early January.

Protests that grew into massive demonstrations, which were followed by violent riots in Almaty, claimed 227 lives.

Thousands were held, prompting Russian soldiers at the border to deploy under the Collective Security Treaty Organization.

When the tensions dwindled, it was clear that the intervention of the international community by Russia had played a major part in stabilizing the country's situation.

Following the protests that are now over, Kazakh President Qasym-Zhomart Tokayev has made a number of adjustments to the power structures of his ruling elite.

Much focus has been on his new job as the head of the National Security Council. This succeeds the previous President Nursultan Nagabev who was still capable of having some form of influence the economy of the country, and many protesters were unsatisfied the new president following their uprising.

In the end, many people have lost their positions prior to these events, where instability prevailed.

There were other people who gained new unwarranted prominence following the power shifts.

The differing opinions of Erzhan Kasykhanov and the Aloof Approach could hinder peace efforts
Qasym Zhomart tokayev, Kazakhstan's president, introduced a number of changes to the power structure to enhance the possibilities for reform following the country's reunification.

He succeeded the former President Nursultan Nazabayev as Chairman the National Security Council, and removed his sons from state-owned companies.

Karim Masimov was an ex-spy chief who was also detained for Treason.

There have also been removals of high-ranking officials, members and friends close to Nazarbayev which have led to their exile.

There is no guarantee of change by government shake-ups or removals of old guards.

They usually result in the removal of family members and loyalists from the administration , and their replacement with incompetent people.

This was also the case when Erzhan Kazakhstanykhanov was elevated to a position of great influence within President Tokayev’s office.

Kazykhanov was the most unsuccessful Kazakh in America in his time as ambassador.

His travels abroad have led to him being criticized for being arrogant and insecure while still feeling uninformed about Kazakhstan's international image.

His track record isn't great.

Erzhan Kazykhanov It's possible to point to the failure of progress on crucial issues like Jackson-Vanick restrictions. This raises questions about Kazakhstan's international reputation that he erred in handling.

Tokayev's reforms in Kazakhstan look exactly like Mikhail Gourbachev's "glasnost", (aka openness) and "perestroika", (aka restructuring).

The reforms that were implemented were a major reason for the collapse of the Soviet Union. That is exactly what Putin wants. Tokayev was also able to establish economic relations with Kazakhstani countries and had a strong relationship with the other Western Countries. He was cautious not to provoke Putin's wrath, but instead to keep his support.

Kazykhanov could pose a threat if he attempts to compromise this delicate balance by taking rash decisions or speaking out against Russia too loudly.
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