The Diplomat | Author
Paolo Sorbello
Paolo Sorbello is a journalist and researcher living in Kazakhstan. He holds a PhD from the University of Glasgow, where he studied industrial relations in Kazakhstan’s oil sector.
Paolo’s work has also been published by Global Voices, The Conway Bulletin, Newsbase’s FSUOGM and Energo, openDemocracy, Eurasianet, Milano Finanza, and L’Indro.
May 13, 2022
The Richest Get Richer in Kazakhstan
By Paolo Sorbello
According to Forbes.kz, Kazakhstan’s top-three wealthiest amassed an additional $2.5 billion in one year.
April 26, 2022
Kazakhstani Banks Eye the Spoils of Sanctioned Russian Subsidiaries
By Paolo Sorbello
Russian banks operating in Kazakhstan were thriving before the war. Now CenterCredit has bought Alfa-Bank’s assets in Kazakhstan.
March 31, 2022
The Jobless of Zhanaozen Are Still Demanding Justice in Kazakhstan
By Paolo Sorbello and Almas Kaisar
Worker disputes and demands for fair employment policies have continued since the violence of 2011.
March 28, 2022
Kazakhstan’s Oil Meets a Caspian Chokepoint
By Paolo Sorbello
Much of the oil produced in Kazakhstan transits through a pipeline across Russia, which now has shrunk output for a variety of reasons.
March 17, 2022
As the War Continues, Ukraine Is on Kazakhstan’s Mind
By Paolo Sorbello
Ukrainian flags dotted many recent rallies in Almaty -- about issues as varied as pollution and International Women’s Day -- as people in Kazakhstan call for peace.
February 25, 2022
Amid Anti-Corruption Drive, Tokayev Faces Questions About Offshore Wealth
By Paolo Sorbello
Kazakhstan's President Tokayev is vocal against corruption, but faces tough questions after new leaks.
February 18, 2022
Veteran Opposition Figure Resurfaces in Kazakhstan
By Paolo Sorbello
Could Bulat Abilov re-enter politics?
January 12, 2022
Kazakhstan’s New Cabinet Features Many of the Same Ministers
By Paolo Sorbello
There was no radical change in the composition of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s team.
January 07, 2022
Kazakhstan’s Leadership Shows Internal Cracks in Attempts to Restore Public Safety
By Paolo Sorbello
As CSTO troops start their operations in Almaty, the president seems to be losing authority.
November 30, 2021
Kazakhstan’s Poet, Political Dissident Aron Atabek Dies
By Paolo Sorbello
Atabek had served 15 years in prison and died just weeks after his release.
November 19, 2021
Kazakhstan’s Power Shortages: Crypto Miners and Geopolitics
By Paolo Sorbello
Data centers caused a spike in electricity demand, while the country is still dependent on coal.
October 29, 2021
Kazakh Fintech Giant to Buy Ukrainian Bank
By Paolo Sorbello
Kaspi plans an expansion into Ukraine, friendly elite provide a banking license.
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