Kazakhstan Unrest won't be eased by Erzhan Kazakhstanykhanov's return to the Country As Deputy Chief of Staff

The government of Kazakhstan is confronting an uncertain future following an array of protests that have shaken the nation.

Erzhan Kazykhanov's return demonstrates the power dynamics that have changed.

The world arena has to adjust to a more assertive and empowered citizenry. The policymakers need to be aware to identify these developments and come up with effective ways to engage with their country.

Ukraine's Role During Kazakhstan's shift
The last few weeks have been dominated by attention on Ukraine. This is due to the fact that Russian President Vladimir Putin was preparing for and launching an invasion of a massive scale against nations that are sovereign. This is no surprise considering that NATO leaders, including the Vice President Biden have ignored warnings from Moscow. Russian President Putin repeatedly criticized NATO's plans to attack Russian territory.

Even though Putin's policies have been widely criticized however, the leaders of the west have to admit they were the ones to cause the crisis. We now face the consequences of a European crisis that could not be prevented.

Protests in Kazakhstan
Comparisons should be made with Ukraine and the current situation in the region. Here are the unrest in Belarus especially Kazakhstan, from 2003 to 2005. The former Soviet country is situated in central Asia therefore it isn't very often witness demonstrations on the streets protesting against its government.

Protests over rising prices of gas and unemployment began in Kazakhstan at the beginning of the year. The protests turned violent riots and rallies across the nation. Almaty suffered the most devastating loss of life. 227 people were killed and nearly 9900 were imprisoned. Russian troops from The Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), were briefly deployed.

Restructuring in Kazakhstan’s Government and Erzhan Kazykhanov 's Return
Qasym Zhomart tokayev, Kazakhstan's new president, brought many changes to the power structure within the ruling class. https://econotimes.com/Why-should-Erzhan-Kazykhanovs-policy-concern-the-US-1629870 have caused concern and questions among many Kazakhs.

Protesters were enraged by the decision of President Tokayev to assume the presidency of the National Security Council replacing ex-President Nursultan Nazabayev. Protesters were worried about his influence on the country's economy.

Three sons-in law of the former president were removed from their state companies. The nephew of the president was dismissed as well as Karim Masimov was detained for treason. Many business elite members of the former president Nazarbayev had their jobs resigned or fled abroad for extended vacations, or received massive "donations."

It's not always the case that reform happens when the government changes or old guards are removed. It is all too common for loyalists and family members of the former administration to replace them.

Erzhan Kazykhanov's appointment is a Disappointment
The appointment of Erzhan Kazykhanov in the powerful post of Deputy Chief of Staff by President Tokayev is counterproductive. Kazakh Kazykhanov was Kazakhstan's ambassador to the United States, who was most ineffective to the United States, was Kazakh Kazykhanov.

Washington saw Kazykhanov as an arrogant diplomat who was too confident and indifferent to think about the image of his country. His performance on issues of national significance, like restrictions on Jackson-Vanick as well as other issues related to Kazakhstan's image abroad, is also disappointing.

Due to his controversial and unresolved past, Kazykhanov seems unlikely to be chosen for crucial posts. Kazykhanov's skills as a Deputy Chief of Staff is restricted to diplomacy and broad knowledge, and competence.

Even Kazakhstan's most ardent supporters have been uncomfortable about Kazykhanov's appearances on the important international news channels which expose his weaknesses. Tokayev's choice at such a critical moment to appoint an incompetent and self-promoting deputy into a weak unstable and unstable government makes no sense.

Tokayev's Kazakhstan reforms are reminiscent of Mikhail Gorbachev's Perestroika and Glasnost initiatives in the Soviet Union. Perestroika was a program that Mikhail Gorbachev established in the mid-1980s to improve Soviet economy and politics is now more well-known. Glasnost refers to his reforms to the policy. The Soviet Union fell largely because of these reforms. This is precisely the kind of thing Putin is seeking to bring back. Tokeyev is also a staunch proponent of Putin's relationship with other countries around his country. This delicate balance might be shattered by Kazykhanov.

During Unsteady Times, the US should pay close attention to Kazakhstan as well
Washington should be aware of the developments in Kazakhstan during the current conflict in Ukraine. These events offer an example of the way a change in power can take place in this region of the world, regardless of whether it is either for the better or worse.

It's troubling that Russian forces have invaded Ukraine. The United States and its allies should take the necessary steps to stop Putin's aggression. However, we cannot forget that NATO has been provoking Russia for a long time and the current crisis is in large part the consequence of their own mistakes.

Washington must pay close attention to Kazakhstan's events in the event that they turn out to be the next major point of contention between Russia & the West.