Kazakhstan, a country located in central Asia, is bordered by five countries mainly Russia (North), Uzbekistan (South), China (East), Kyrgyzstan, and Turkmenistan. Kazakhstan was once part of the Soviet Union before gaining independence in 1991. Other countries that were part of the Soviet Union include Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Moldova, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia.
Reasons Behind the Current Unrest in Kazakhstan
The central asian country, Kazakhstan, has recently witnessed a wave of nationwide protests triggered by a sharp increase in fuel prices. The government had removed price caps for Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG), leading to a doubling in prices which caused public outrage. Protests first ignited in the oil-rich city of Zhanaozen, but quickly spread throughout the country in what is described as the biggest wave of demonstrations in the nation’s history.
Kazakhstan’s Importance to the World
Kazakhstan holds a significant position in the world due its vast natural resources and geographical position. Although landlocked, it is the world’s largest country of its kind, with a population of only 19 million. Most importantly, it boasts a rich reserve of minerals including 3% of the global oil reserves, substantial coal and gas sectors, and is also the top global producer of uranium. The country is also known for being the world’s second-largest miner of bitcoin. Despite the unrest, it is regarded as a political and economic pillar of stability in an unstable region.
The Role of Russia in the Unrest
Russia plays a pivotal role in the unfolding events in Kazakhstan. The recent intervention by the Collective Security Treaty Organisation, a Russian-led military alliance, marks the first invocation of its protective clause. The significance lies in the fact that Kazakhstan aligns itself closely with Russia, both economically and politically. This intervention could have major implications for the geopolitical landscape in the region.
The Impact of the Civil Unrest
The civil unrest is likely to bring substantial change in both the regional and global context. The countries of the former Soviet Union are observing closely, and the events in Kazakhstan could potentially energise opposition forces in other countries. For example, in the US, Kazakhstan has become an important player for American energy interests, with Exxon Mobil and Chevron investing billions of dollars in the region where the unrest began.
Kazakhstan Government’s Response and Global Reaction
In response to the protests, the government condemned the protesters as terrorists, declared a state of emergency, blocked social networking sites and chat apps, and called on the Russian-led military alliance for help. Initially, it conceded to some demands of the protesters by dismissing the government cabinet and announcing the possibility of parliamentary dissolution leading to new elections. However, discontent continues to prevail. The United Nations, the US, UK, France, and India have called for restraint and non-violence.
The Way Forward
In dealing with the current unrest, important nations like the US need to urge Kazakh authorities to refrain from internet throttling and violence. In the long-term scenario, there is a necessity for the United Nations to pressure Kazakhstan into conducting free and fair elections to avoid further protest activity.
