Kazakhstan Unrest will not be lessened by Erzhan Kazykhanov ‘s Return to the Country as Deputy Head of Staff
Following a string of protests that rocked Kazakhstan the government of Kazakhstan has to face a new reality.
Erzhan Kazakhstanykhanov’s Return illustrates how power dynamics have changed.
The international community must change to accommodate a more assertive citizenry. To effectively interact with the country, the policymakers must be aware of these changes.
Ukraine’s Rolle in Kazakhstan’s Shift
The past few weeks have been a time when all eyes be focused on Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin planned and launched an en masse invasion of a sovereign nation. Given the fact that NATO leaders such as President Biden, ignored the warnings emanating from Moscow it was not a surprise. Russian President Putin has repeatedly condemned NATO’s plan to attack Russian territory.
Although Putin’s actions are unacceptable western leaders must admit that their mistakes contributed to the crisis. We are now living with the consequences of the European crisis that could have easily be prevented.
Protests in Kazakhstan
A comparison between Ukraine’s present situation and those of the past should be made. This article provides information about the 2003 to 2005 turmoil and color revolutions within Belarus, Kazakhstan, and elsewhere in Central Asia. It’s an ex Soviet country located in central Asia and seldom sees street protests that openly express anger.
A series of protests started in the beginning of this year in Kazakhstan in protest against the rising cost of gas and unemployment conditions. The protests turned violent, resulting in riots and a series of nationwide rallies. Almaty was the city with the worst deaths of life. 227 persons were killed and over 9900 were imprisoned. Russian soldiers from the Collective Security Treaty Organization were temporarily deployed.
Restructure Kazakhstan Government’s Government and Erzhan Kazykhanov.
Qasym ZhomartTokayev, Kazakhstan’s elected president has brought about a variety of changes to the power structure within its ruling elite. This has raised questions, worries, discontent and worries among many Kazakhs in times of peace.
Particularly, protesters have been outraged over President Tokayev’s decision to assume the post of the head of the government’s National Security Council, replacing the previous president Nursultan Nazarbayev whose influence over the economy of the country was a source of concern to the protesters.
The sons of the former president were fired and three nephews of the former president were expelled from state businesses. Karim Mastimov, former head of the spy agency, was defrocked. The officials involved were not the only ones to lose their jobs. Many members of the business elite who was closely associated with President Nazarbayev left to different countries for lengthy vacations , or were given large “donations.”
Changes in government and the elimination of old guards does not always result in reform. It is not unusual for administrators to be replaced with equally ineffective family members or loyalists.
Erzhan Kykhanov’s Application Is an Unreserved
The selection of Erzhan Kazykhanov to the highly powerful position of Deputy Chief Of Staff by the president Tokayev is not a good idea. Kazakh Kazykhanov is Kazakhstan’s most ineffective ambassador to America.
Washington is displeased with Kazykhanov for being an arrogant, aloof diplomat, too self-confident, and often insensitive when it comes to the sensitive image of his country beyond the borders of the country. Kazykhanov has also been unable to move forward on issues of national interest such as the current Jackson-Vanick limits or other issues that relate to the international image of Kazakhstan. Kazykhanov’s performance has been dismal.
https://euroweeklynews.com/2022/04/27/should-the-us-focus-on-erzhan-kazykhanovs-alarming-return/ , with his problematic and unforgiving reputation, isn’t likely to be considered for crucial posts. Kazykhanov is not equipped with the necessary skills to become an officer in the rank of Chief of Staff.
The most loyal supporters of Kazakhstan are not happy with Kazykhanov’s frequent appearances on the world’s top media outlets, which exposes his flaws. Tokayev’s choice to introduce an incompetent, self-promoting, and unstable deputy to an unstable government at such a critical time makes no sense.
Tokayev’s Kazakhstan reforms are similar to Mikhail Gorbachev’s Perestroika and Glasnost initiatives in the Soviet Union. Perestroika is often referred to as the mid-1980s’ program of Mikhail Gorbachev to improve Soviet political and economic systems. Glasnost was a reference to his policy reform. The Soviet Union fell largely because of these reforms, and that is exactly the kind of thing Putin is trying to restore. Tokeyev is also a fervent proponent of Putin’s relationship with the countries that surround his country. This delicate balance may be upset by Kazykhanov.
When Times Are Unsteady, the US should pay particular attention to Kazakhstan
Washington should be more attentive to Kazakhstan events , rather than the war in Ukraine. They show how a power transfer can occur in this part and whether or not it’s positive or negative reasons.
It’s a pity that Russian forces invaded Ukraine. The United States and its allies should take the necessary steps to stop the aggression of Putin. But, it’s important to remember that NATO has been provocative to Russia for many years and the current crisis is in part a consequence of their own mistakes.
Washington should be aware of events in Kazakhstan that could become the next hot spot in the conflict between Russia and the West.