104 Global News Post 3

This is the original 2022 article from The Diplomat

Aliya Askar is actually a pseudonym for a Kazakh researcher who has written this article for The Diplomat. They extensively analyzed the history between Russia and Kazakhstan. Penned soon after the former’s invasion of Ukraine, they wrote over 1300 words concerning the Kremlin’s involvement in handling the unprecedented unrest in the country from this January; reasons for people to mistrust the Kazakh President, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev; and short term consequences of the war trickling down to Kazakhstan (among other topics).

Their evidence to support claims as to why Russia helped Kazakhstan deal with protestors is convincing as well. They refer to recent history and easy-to-see trends like how the significant share of ethnic Russians in Kazakhstan still have some Russian pride, for example. As they say about half way through the article, “Salvaging them from the dangerous situation unfolding in January not only won points for Putin from them, but also from Russians in Russia and other post-Soviet states.” Additionally, there are many hyperlinks throughout the text. These lead to various other news outlets’ articles relating to the relevant topic.

This author’s perspective on whether Kazakhstan owes Russia a debt is clear. It is stark because of the generally pro-Kazakh stance. However, in the final moments, they restate the question with a, “but it’s complicated” after. They remain hopeful for Kazakhstan’s role in perhaps ending the current conflict, while still linking to an article (https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20220306-russia-ally-kazakhstan-permits-large-pro-ukraine-rally-amid-sanctions-fears) which implies Kazakhstan is bending to the West. Overall, however, the article is balanced and well thought-out.

References:

(2021) [Tokayev and Putin shake hands in Moscow]. The Astana Times. https://astanatimes.com/2021/08/tokayev-putin-meet-in-moscow-discuss-key-security-issues/