Ashford in Inkstick: The “blink-and-you’ll-miss-it” intervention in Kazakhstan

Issue Brief Jul 3, 2024

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Central Asia Europe & Eurasia
Ashford in Inkstick: The “blink-and-you’ll-miss-it” intervention in Kazakhstan

New Atlanticist Jun 5, 2024

A high-level official’s conviction opens the door for progress on women’s rights in Kazakhstan

By Margarita Assenova

A former economy minister’s murder case has sparked renewed efforts to confront domestic abuse and promote women’s rights in Kazakhstan.
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Ashford in Inkstick: The “blink-and-you’ll-miss-it” intervention in Kazakhstan

TURKEYSource May 22, 2024

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Content

In the News

Jan 13, 2022

Ashford in Inkstick: The “blink-and-you’ll-miss-it” intervention in Kazakhstan

By Atlantic Council

On January 13, Ashford published an opinion piece on the Russian intervention in Kazakhstan. “The blink-and-you-might-miss-it intervention nonetheless provided some important reminders about security in Central Asia. Russia, for example, still has substantive interests and influence across Central Asia. Meanwhile, it appears that China is largely willing to stay hands-off on security matters in the […]

Central Asia English

In the News

Jan 13, 2022

Manning in The Hill: What Kazakhstan says about the autocracy question

By Atlantic Council

On January 13, Robert Manning published his weekly column in The Hill on the events in Kazakhstan and how they demonstrate the inherent weakness in autocracies. Manning made the point that there is widespread discontent among populations ruled by autocrats, but that the challenges facing the US internally undermine protestors in autocracies from turning to […]

Central Asia China

BelarusAlert

Jan 12, 2022

Soviet reunion in the air as USSR centenary approaches

By Brian Whitmore

2022 will see the one hundredth anniversary of the USSR. The centenary comes at a time when Russian President Vladimir Putin is increasingly reasserting Moscow's influence across the former Soviet empire.

Belarus Central Asia

In the News

Jan 10, 2022

Ashford in Politico: “Emma Ashford and Matthew Kroenig debate whether the unrest will inflame tensions between Russia and the West.”

By Atlantic Council

On January 10, Ashford and Matthew Kroenig’s “It’s Debatable” column was featured in Politico’s Global Insider newsletter. “Kazakhstan’s main military relationship is with the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), which replaced the Warsaw Pact for Russia and some Central Asian states. Tokayev has appealed for the CSTO to intervene in the ongoing unrest, and small […]

Central Asia English

In the News

Jan 9, 2022

Ashford on NPR: “Even if we wanted to intervene … we just don’t have that much leverage in Kazakhstan.”

By Atlantic Council

On January 9, Emma Ashford was interviewed by NPR Morning Edition on the Russian intervention in Kazakhstan. “Even if we wanted to intervene, even if there was a clear side upon which we thought we could intervene – which I don’t think there is – we just don’t have that much leverage in Kazakhstan. We […]

Central Asia English

BelarusAlert

Jan 9, 2022

From Kazakhstan to Belarus, aftershocks of Soviet collapse continue

By Alesia Rudnik

The crisis is Kazakhstan is a reminder that more than thirty years since the USSR ceased to exist, the aftershocks of authoritarian empire continue to shape the geopolitical landscape from Minsk to Almaty.

Belarus Central Asia

Fast Thinking

Jan 6, 2022

FAST THINKING: Is Kazakhstan’s crisis the Kremlin’s next opportunity?

By Atlantic Council

Our experts explain what this moment means for the authoritarian, energy-rich Central Asian nation—and why Russia is watching with equal parts interest and unease.

Central Asia Crisis Management

New Atlanticist

Jan 6, 2022

How Kazakhstan could shift Putin’s calculus on Ukraine

By John E. Herbst

The unrest poses a question for Putin: Should he continue his intimidation campaign on his western flank or address the dangers to his south? 

Central Asia Crisis Management

New Atlanticist

Jan 5, 2022

Kazakhstan is in chaos. Here’s why the West should be watching.

By Dan Peleschuk

Atlantic Council experts break down what's at stake for Russia, energy supplies, and the future of the strategically located Central Asian nation.

Central Asia Europe & Eurasia
President of Russia Vladimir Putin and President of China Xi Jinping look on during a signing ceremony.

Report

Dec 21, 2021

Axis of collusion: The fragile Putin-Xi partnership

By Harley Balzer

The close relationship between the leaders of Russia and China drives what many think is a developing Sino-Russian alliance, but tensions over deep issues remain. Just how close are these great powers?

Central Asia China
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Experts

Fellow

Rza Aliyev

Nonresident Senior Fellow, N7 Initiative

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Azerbaijani Central Asia

Fellow

Tatiana Gfoeller

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Eurasia Center

Arabic Central Asia

Staff

Katherine Spencer

Program Assistant

Eurasia Center

Central Asia Conflict

Millennium fellow

Arvid Bell

CEO and Co-Founder, Anadyr Horizon

Millennium Leadership Program

Central Asia Economy & Business

Millennium fellow

Ramzi Abunemreh

Architectural Manager, Consolidated Contractors Company

Millennium Leadership Program

Central Asia Economy & Business

Staff

Rayhan Asat

Senior Legal & Policy Advisor, China Lead

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Central Asia China
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