The concept of “managed democracy” is maturing in Kazakhstan, the energy-rich Central Asian state where President Nursultan Nazarbayev has tightly controlled the political process since it gained independence. Analysts believe snap parliamentary elections are likely to be held soon in order to create the appearance of a competitive political system.
An industrial dispute in western Kazakhstan that is dragging on into its sixth month is casting a shadow over the Central Asian state’s all-important energy sector.
Kazakhstan's law-enforcers had a busy summer: it began with the country’s first ever suicide bombing in May, and continued with sporadic deadly clashes between security forces and armed suspects.
Mangistau, an oil-rich region on the Caspian Sea, is sometimes described as the motor of Kazakhstan’s vibrant economy. These days, it is also a hotbed of social tension.
A health scare involving President Nursultan Nazarbayev is forcing Kazakhstan’s political class to confront a vexing question: what does the post-Nazarbayev future look like?
A shake-up of Kazakhstan’s political scene is under way with a revamped political party in Astana seemingly destined to play the role of tame opposition to the ruling party, Nur Otan. Analysts are cautioning that the apparent attempt by Astana officials to micromanage politics could backfire.
Rakhat Aliyev, the scandal-prone former son-in-law of Kazakhstani President Nursultan Nazarbayev, has stirred up trouble in his homeland and in Europe. Now, he’s tried to make waves in Washington. But he’s found that a spin war in the United States can quickly turn into a quagmire.
Kazakhstan's recent presidential election – won by incumbent Nursultan Nazarbayev with an extraordinary 95.5 percent of the vote and an 89 percent turnout – was controversial in many quarters.
With his reelection out of the way, Kazakhstan’s president, Nursultan Nazarbayev, is now focusing on carrying out a limited reshaping of the Central Asian country’s political landscape. The changes being contemplated seem aimed at managing the transition to the post-Nazarbayev era.
Fresh off his re-election victory, Kazakhstan’s president, Nursultan Nazarbayev, reshuffled the government. The change that generated the most buzz in Astana, however, did not involve the cabinet.
