Kazakhstan| Central Asia

CrisisWatch database

On first glance, and in comparison with the four other Central Asian states, Kazakhstan looks like a success story. Its economic performance has improved markedly in recent years – largely due to oil revenues - and living standards are rising. President Nursultan Nazarbayev can claim some credit for economic progress and keeping a very diverse country together, but his authoritarianism and the huge corruption at the top of the political system threaten to undermine these very real achievements.  A further question is the possibility of an intense, and possibly violent, struggle for succession as Nazarbayev enters what may be his last term as president.

Our reports on Kazakhstan are listed on the Central Asia page. You can also search for relevant reports using the search box in the top right hand side of this page.

Articles, op-eds, speeches and media releases can be found under the media section.