The Diplomat | Author
Paolo Sorbello
Paolo Sorbello is a journalist and researcher living in Kazakhstan.
Paolo Sorbello is a journalist and researcher living in Kazakhstan. He is also the English-language editor at independent media outlet Vlast.kz.
Paolo’s work has also been published by openDemocracy, Global Voices, and Natural Gas World. He holds a PhD from the University of Glasgow, where he studied industrial relations in Kazakhstan’s oil sector. You can follow Paolo on Twitter or connect via LinkedIn
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March 02, 2020
Kazakhstan’s Authorities Backtrack on Freedom of Assembly
By Paolo Sorbello
Around 80 activists were arrested on March 1 in Almaty in connection to an unsanctioned rally in memory of an activist who died in jail.
February 11, 2020
Violence in Kazakhstan Turns Deadly for Dungans
By Paolo Sorbello
Ten were killed in clashes that followed ethnic lines, but betrayed long-standing socioeconomic dissatisfaction.
January 27, 2020
Kazakhstan Halts Sale of Contaminated Oil to China
By Paolo Sorbello
Tests revealed the presence of dangerous chemicals in oil pumped from the Aktobe region and destined for to China.
December 24, 2019
Kazakhstan’s Authorities Draw a Line During Independence Day Protests
By Paolo Sorbello
The goalposts keep moving as President Tokayev promised reforms that would make it easier for political and civic activists to plan rallies.
August 27, 2019
Web Giants Counter Kazakhstan's Spying Tool
By Paolo Sorbello
US firms are taking measures to ensure that traffic through their browsers is not intercepted by Kazakhstan's authorities.
August 05, 2019
Some Freed, Some Not by Kazakhstan's Justice System
By Paolo Sorbello
In July, Kazakhstan's courts kept several “uncomfortable” people behind bars while releasing a handful of others.
July 02, 2019
Mass Brawl at Kazakh Oil Field Unveils Labor Dissatisfaction
By Paolo Sorbello
Sparked by a selfie, the brawl highlighted malaise over unequal working conditions between local and foreign workers in Kazakhstan.
June 13, 2019
Kazakhstan Turns a Blind Eye to the Opposition Riddle
By Paolo Sorbello
The government’s reaction to election protests obfuscates the diverse nature of civic activism in Kazakhstan.
June 05, 2019
What Is Nazarbayev’s Legacy in Kazakhstan?
By Paolo Sorbello
Kazakhstan’s first president resigned, but he remains fundamentally intertwined with the state.
May 07, 2019
Banks in Kazakhstan Give Mergers a Go, Again
By Paolo Sorbello
Three smaller banks in Kazakhstan will decide about a merger this month; meanwhile, large players are poised for changes too.
April 23, 2019
Kazakhstan’s Top Party Picks President, Meanwhile the Youth Debate the Future
By Paolo Sorbello
Two meetings -- of Nur Otan in Nur-Sultan and an assembly of youths in Almaty -- tell a tale of two Kazakhstans.
February 26, 2019
Kazakhstan Appoints a New-Old Government
By Paolo Sorbello
After the abrupt firing of the Kazakh government last week, a new cabinet was immediately approved.