China Can’t Have It Both Ways in Europe
Beijing is blowing up its relationships by backing Russia.
List of Kazakhstan articles
![The author stands on the nuclear bombing test fields in Kazakhstan.]()
The author stands on the nuclear bombing test fields in Kazakhstan.
Can Kazakhstan Bury Its Nuclear Past?
Forgetting the site where Russia became a nuclear power comes with its own risks.
![Damage is seen in the aftermath of protests in Kazakhstan.]()
Damage is seen in the aftermath of protests in Kazakhstan.
The Other Jan. 6
One year on, events in Kazakhstan that cemented its president’s grip on power remain shrouded in mystery.
![Leaders of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation member states pose for a family photo during a summit in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, on Sept. 16.]()
Leaders of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation member states pose for a family photo during a summit in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, on Sept. 16.
Kazakhstan Is Breaking Out of Russia’s Grip
The Ukraine war has given Astana a unique chance to frustrate Moscow.
![China's President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and other participants attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) leaders' summit in Samarkand, Uzbekistan on Sept. 16.]()
China's President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and other participants attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) leaders' summit in Samarkand, Uzbekistan on Sept. 16.
Why Xi Jinping Chose Central Asia for His First Post-COVID-19 Trip
The region has long served as a testing ground for Beijing’s economic and foreign-policy ambitions and is becoming increasingly close to China.
![Demonstrators hold placards during a rally in support of Ukraine in Almaty, Kazakhstan on March 6.]()
Demonstrators hold placards during a rally in support of Ukraine in Almaty, Kazakhstan on March 6.
Former Soviet States Are Distancing Themselves From Their Old Imperial Master
The war in Ukraine is prompting countries from Kazakhstan to Moldova to reexamine their colonial past and seek diplomatic allies beyond the Kremlin.
![Protesters rally over energy prices in Kazakhstan.]()
Protesters rally over energy prices in Kazakhstan.
How Western Media Framed Kazakhstan’s Protests
A complicated conflict was reduced to an easy narrative of riots and chaos.
![Protesters wave flags during a rally in Almaty.]()
Protesters wave flags during a rally in Almaty.
Kazakhstan’s Reforms Should Be More Than Just Show
Promised changes after January’s chaos are unpromising so far.
![People protest for political reform and the release of political prisoners in Kazakhstan.]()
People protest for political reform and the release of political prisoners in Kazakhstan.
Kazakhstan Can’t Torture Its Way to Stability
Until the Tokayev regime shows remorse for its brutal crackdown, the country’s reforms won’t bring progress.
![People protest energy price hikes in Kazakhstan.]()
People protest energy price hikes in Kazakhstan.
Kazakhstan’s Unrest Leaves Behind a Traumatized Society
Overloaded hospitals are struggling amid a coronavirus spike.
![In a Russian Defense Ministry photo, Russian peacekeepers are welcomed at the Chkalovsky airfield as they arrive from Almaty, Kazakhstan.]()
In a Russian Defense Ministry photo, Russian peacekeepers are welcomed at the Chkalovsky airfield as they arrive from Almaty, Kazakhstan.
Russian Propagandists Zero In on Kazakh Crisis
Intense interest by diplomats and state media underscores the significance of Russia’s intervention.
![Russian soldiers from the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) attend a ceremony marking the end of the CSTO mission in Almaty, Kazakhstan, on Jan. 13.]()
Russian soldiers from the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) attend a ceremony marking the end of the CSTO mission in Almaty, Kazakhstan, on Jan. 13.
Kazakhstan Exposes the Central Flaw of Biden’s Foreign-Policy Doctrine
Lofty democratic rhetoric can’t compete with autocratic boots on the ground. That should make Washington uncomfortable.
![A resident surveys the damage in the aftermath of protests
in Almaty, Kazakhstan, on Jan. 11.]()
A resident surveys the damage in the aftermath of protests
in Almaty, Kazakhstan, on Jan. 11.
Kazakhstan’s Protests Aren’t a Color Revolution
The country’s widespread popular demonstrations transcended class, region, and politics—making them distinct from those in Belarus and Ukraine.
![A destroyed bank in Kazakhstan]()
A destroyed bank in Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan’s Instability Has Been Building for Years
As violence subsides, the country’s future remains uncertain.
![A gas mask lies near the fence of an administrative building in central Almaty, Kazakhstan.]()
A gas mask lies near the fence of an administrative building in central Almaty, Kazakhstan.
Why Russia Sent Troops Into Kazakhstan
Moscow’s swift aid to a neighboring regime tracks with its wider strategic goals.
![Russian troops walk toward a military plane at a snowy airfield.]()
Russian troops walk toward a military plane at a snowy airfield.
Kazakhstan’s Border With Russia Is Suddenly an Open Question Again
Moscow has long claimed parts of northern Kazakhstan. The country’s current turmoil makes those claims a lot more relevant—and troubling.
![Police fired tear gas and stun grenades.]()
Police fired tear gas and stun grenades.
Will Unrest in Kazakhstan Inflame Tensions Between Russia and the West?
A sudden wave of protests has spooked the Kremlin and precipitated an unprecedented intervention by Moscow and its allies.
![An art installation feature the phrase #ImmigrantsAreEssential in large white letters sits on the grass of the National Mall with the U.S. Capitol in the background.]()
An art installation feature the phrase #ImmigrantsAreEssential in large white letters sits on the grass of the National Mall with the U.S. Capitol in the background.
Who Will Win the Global War for Talent?
After the Great Lockdown will come the next Great Migration.
![Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev]()
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev
Kazakhstan’s Alternative Media Is Thriving—and in Danger
A vibrant society is under threat from the authoritarian government.
![A train leaves Xian International Port in Shaanxi province, China, for Kazakhstan on April 13.]()
A train leaves Xian International Port in Shaanxi province, China, for Kazakhstan on April 13.
What Kazakhstan Can Teach About Medium-State Diplomacy
How the self-styled “Asian Geneva” successfully navigated among Russia, China, and the West—at least for now.
Load 10 More Articles
Can Kazakhstan Bury Its Nuclear Past?
Forgetting the site where Russia became a nuclear power comes with its own risks.
The Other Jan. 6
One year on, events in Kazakhstan that cemented its president’s grip on power remain shrouded in mystery.
Kazakhstan Is Breaking Out of Russia’s Grip
The Ukraine war has given Astana a unique chance to frustrate Moscow.
Why Xi Jinping Chose Central Asia for His First Post-COVID-19 Trip
The region has long served as a testing ground for Beijing’s economic and foreign-policy ambitions and is becoming increasingly close to China.
Former Soviet States Are Distancing Themselves From Their Old Imperial Master
The war in Ukraine is prompting countries from Kazakhstan to Moldova to reexamine their colonial past and seek diplomatic allies beyond the Kremlin.
How Western Media Framed Kazakhstan’s Protests
A complicated conflict was reduced to an easy narrative of riots and chaos.
Kazakhstan’s Reforms Should Be More Than Just Show
Promised changes after January’s chaos are unpromising so far.
Kazakhstan Can’t Torture Its Way to Stability
Until the Tokayev regime shows remorse for its brutal crackdown, the country’s reforms won’t bring progress.
Kazakhstan’s Unrest Leaves Behind a Traumatized Society
Overloaded hospitals are struggling amid a coronavirus spike.
Russian Propagandists Zero In on Kazakh Crisis
Intense interest by diplomats and state media underscores the significance of Russia’s intervention.
Kazakhstan Exposes the Central Flaw of Biden’s Foreign-Policy Doctrine
Lofty democratic rhetoric can’t compete with autocratic boots on the ground. That should make Washington uncomfortable.
Kazakhstan’s Protests Aren’t a Color Revolution
The country’s widespread popular demonstrations transcended class, region, and politics—making them distinct from those in Belarus and Ukraine.
Kazakhstan’s Instability Has Been Building for Years
As violence subsides, the country’s future remains uncertain.
Why Russia Sent Troops Into Kazakhstan
Moscow’s swift aid to a neighboring regime tracks with its wider strategic goals.
Kazakhstan’s Border With Russia Is Suddenly an Open Question Again
Moscow has long claimed parts of northern Kazakhstan. The country’s current turmoil makes those claims a lot more relevant—and troubling.
Will Unrest in Kazakhstan Inflame Tensions Between Russia and the West?
A sudden wave of protests has spooked the Kremlin and precipitated an unprecedented intervention by Moscow and its allies.
Who Will Win the Global War for Talent?
After the Great Lockdown will come the next Great Migration.
Kazakhstan’s Alternative Media Is Thriving—and in Danger
A vibrant society is under threat from the authoritarian government.
What Kazakhstan Can Teach About Medium-State Diplomacy
How the self-styled “Asian Geneva” successfully navigated among Russia, China, and the West—at least for now.
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