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Authors
Paolo Sorbello

Paolo Sorbello

Paolo Sorbello is a journalist and researcher from Italy. He is a PhD candidate at the University of Glasgow, studying state-business relations in Kazakhstan.

Paolo’s work has also been published by The Conway Bulletin, Newsbase’s FSUOGM and Energo, openDemocracy, Eurasianet, Milano Finanza, and L’Indro. While his main focus is energy, his writings span across political and business matters. You can follow Paolo on Twitter or connect via LinkedIn

Posts by Paolo Sorbello
Web Giants Counter Kazakhstan's Spying Tool
August 27, 2019
Web Giants Counter Kazakhstan's Spying Tool
US firms are taking measures to ensure that traffic through their browsers is not intercepted by Kazakhstan's authorities.
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Web Giants Counter Kazakhstan's Spying Tool
Some Freed, Some Not by Kazakhstan's Justice System
August 05, 2019
Some Freed, Some Not by Kazakhstan's Justice System
In July, Kazakhstan's courts kept several “uncomfortable” people behind bars while releasing a handful of others.
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Some Freed, Some Not by Kazakhstan's Justice System
Mass Brawl at Kazakh Oil Field Unveils Labor Dissatisfaction
July 02, 2019
Mass Brawl at Kazakh Oil Field Unveils Labor Dissatisfaction
Sparked by a selfie, the brawl highlighted malaise over unequal working conditions between local and foreign workers in Kazakhstan.
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Mass Brawl at Kazakh Oil Field Unveils Labor Dissatisfaction
Kazakhstan Turns a Blind Eye to the Opposition Riddle
June 13, 2019
Kazakhstan Turns a Blind Eye to the Opposition Riddle
The government’s reaction to election protests obfuscates the diverse nature of civic activism in Kazakhstan.
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Kazakhstan Turns a Blind Eye to the Opposition Riddle
What Is Nazarbayev’s Legacy in Kazakhstan?
June 05, 2019
What Is Nazarbayev’s Legacy in Kazakhstan?
Kazakhstan’s first president resigned, but he remains fundamentally intertwined with the state.
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What Is Nazarbayev’s Legacy in Kazakhstan?
Banks in Kazakhstan Give Mergers a Go, Again
May 07, 2019
Banks in Kazakhstan Give Mergers a Go, Again
Three smaller banks in Kazakhstan will decide about a merger this month; meanwhile, large players are poised for changes too.
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Banks in Kazakhstan Give Mergers a Go, Again
Kazakhstan’s Top Party Picks President, Meanwhile the Youth Debate the Future
April 23, 2019
Kazakhstan’s Top Party Picks President, Meanwhile the Youth Debate the Future
Two meetings -- of Nur Otan in Nur-Sultan and an assembly of youths in Almaty -- tell a tale of two Kazakhstans.
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Kazakhstan’s Top Party Picks President, Meanwhile the Youth Debate the Future
Kazakhstan Appoints a New-Old Government
February 26, 2019
Kazakhstan Appoints a New-Old Government
After the abrupt firing of the Kazakh government last week, a new cabinet was immediately approved.
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Kazakhstan Appoints a New-Old Government
Kazakhstan Prepares Roadshows as Privatization Lags Behind
October 29, 2018
Kazakhstan Prepares Roadshows as Privatization Lags Behind
Both the schedule and prospects for selling state assets in Kazakhstan seem as unstable as ever.
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Kazakhstan Prepares Roadshows as Privatization Lags Behind
A Tough September for Kazakhstan's Banks
October 15, 2018
A Tough September for Kazakhstan's Banks
Kazakhstan's Central Bank stripped Astana Banki's license, while Tsesnabank benefited from a government reshuffle.
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A Tough September for Kazakhstan's Banks
Some Win, Some Lose as Kazakhstan Gets a $1.1 Billion Check
October 03, 2018
Some Win, Some Lose as Kazakhstan Gets a $1.1 Billion Check
Western companies operating at Karachaganak agreed to pay Kazakhstan $1.1 billion, ending an enduring spat with the government
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Some Win, Some Lose as Kazakhstan Gets a $1.1 Billion Check
UK Court Slaps Huge Fine on Khrapunov in BTA Case
September 24, 2018
UK Court Slaps Huge Fine on Khrapunov in BTA Case
Ilyas Khrapunov is hit with a $500 million fine for allegedly aiding Mukhtar Ablyazov's reported embezzlement.
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UK Court Slaps Huge Fine on Khrapunov in BTA Case
Tajikistan's President Makes Historic Visit to Uzbekistan
August 21, 2018
Tajikistan's President Makes Historic Visit to Uzbekistan
Seventeen years after his last official visit, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon visited Tashkent and Samarkand.
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Tajikistan's President Makes Historic Visit to Uzbekistan
Kazakhstan's Top Bank Prepares a Bid to Enter Uzbekistan
July 23, 2018
Kazakhstan's Top Bank Prepares a Bid to Enter Uzbekistan
After buying out its main competitor, Kazakhstan's largest lender could plan to establish a subsidiary in Uzbekistan.
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Kazakhstan's Top Bank Prepares a Bid to Enter Uzbekistan
Chinese Investor Disappoints Kazakhstan's National Oil Company
July 09, 2018
Chinese Investor Disappoints Kazakhstan's National Oil Company
China's troubled CEFC will pass on a deal to buy a majority stake in KMGI, a subsidiary of Kazakhstan's Kazmunaigas.
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Chinese Investor Disappoints Kazakhstan's National Oil Company
Nazarbayev Won't Be Kazakhstan's Next President...Or Will He?
June 22, 2018
Nazarbayev Won't Be Kazakhstan's Next President...Or Will He?
Kassym-Zhomart Tokayev, head of the Kazakh Senate, suggested Nazarbayev won't run in 2020 -- then walked the comment back.
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Nazarbayev Won't Be Kazakhstan's Next President...Or Will He?
Copied Free Birds: Plagiarism Allegations Hit Kazakhstan's Government Again
May 30, 2018
Copied Free Birds: Plagiarism Allegations Hit Kazakhstan's Government Again
Complaints about plagiarism and a thirst for free press go hand in hand in Kazakhstan.
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Copied Free Birds: Plagiarism Allegations Hit Kazakhstan's Government Again
Kazakhstan's Small Lenders Suffer Financial Crunch
May 11, 2018
Kazakhstan's Small Lenders Suffer Financial Crunch
Strongly criticized by the president, some small banks in Kazakhstan are asking for help from the state to withstand a liquidity crisis.
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Kazakhstan's Small Lenders Suffer Financial Crunch
Kazakhstan's Energy Company Continues to Borrow to Survive
April 30, 2018
Kazakhstan's Energy Company Continues to Borrow to Survive
A recent Eurobond issue piles up on Kazmunaigas' debt, signaling just how dependent Kazakhstan's oil and gas giant is on borrowed capital.
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Kazakhstan's Energy Company Continues to Borrow to Survive
Kazakhstan's Elderly Opposition Tries Something New
April 18, 2018
Kazakhstan's Elderly Opposition Tries Something New
Behind the mecenatismo of a former prime minister, Kazakhstan’s opposition figures find a new platform in Brussels.
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Kazakhstan's Elderly Opposition Tries Something New
Kazakhstan’s Financial Restructuring Continues Despite Failed Mergers
March 22, 2018
Kazakhstan’s Financial Restructuring Continues Despite Failed Mergers
After two expected mergers failed, Kazakhstan's banking sector remains profoundly unbalanced, with the Halyk-Qazkom tandem as a hegemon.
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Kazakhstan’s Financial Restructuring Continues Despite Failed Mergers
Uzbekistan Makes Up With Tajikistan Over Electricity
March 12, 2018
Uzbekistan Makes Up With Tajikistan Over Electricity
For over two decades, the Uzbek-Tajik relationship has been marred by tension, but a recent bilateral visit may mark a true thaw.
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Uzbekistan Makes Up With Tajikistan Over Electricity
Uzbekistan Pushes for Bond Debut Before Privatization
February 24, 2018
Uzbekistan Pushes for Bond Debut Before Privatization
Uzbekistan is preparing coupons for up to $300 million to reap the benefits of the investors' widespread hunger for high yields.
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Uzbekistan Pushes for Bond Debut Before Privatization
Telia's Exit Consolidates State Ownership in Kazakhstan Telecoms Sector
February 20, 2018
Telia's Exit Consolidates State Ownership in Kazakhstan Telecoms Sector
Hit by scandals across Central Asia, Telia to sell its stake in Kcell, the largest mobile operator, to state-owned Kazakhtelecom.
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Telia's Exit Consolidates State Ownership in Kazakhstan Telecoms Sector
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Interview
Touqir Hussain on Pakistan Foreign Policy Under Imran Khan
September 10, 2019
Touqir Hussain on Pakistan Foreign Policy Under Imran Khan
The Diplomat talks with Touqir Hussain on Imran Khan and his handling of Pakistan's foreign policy thus far.
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