Kassym-Jomart Tokayev

What are the key takeaways from the sixth consultative meeting of Central Asia’s presidents? And where is Central Asian regionalism heading?

The sixth consultative meeting of the Central Asian leaders concluded without a major breakthrough, but recent Kazakh-Uzbek bilateral agreements could be the key to deepening cooperation in the region.

Once signed into law, the Kazakh government will essentially discharge the most significant regulatory responsibilities in the betting industry to an unknown entity.

Despite two era-defining moments occurring in the five years since Nazarbayev’s resignation, continuity is the main feature of governance in Kazakhstan.

As Astana moves from crisis management to long-term planning mode, the challenge will be whether the government can stick to its economic reform plans. 

It’s a timid reshuffling that is unlikely to shake things up.

Kazakh President Tokayev says he “openly told Nursultan Abishuly Nazarbayev that the political arrogance of his close associates almost destroyed the country.” 

Nurzhan Altaev was given a 10-year sentence earlier this month, and another opposition leader, Marat Zhylanbaev, is expected to see a similar sentence soon.

One elephant in the room, of course, will be the subject of sanctions evasion. 

Two different trials, of two separate unregistered political party leaders, were both placed behind closed doors this week. 

After years of safety problems, ArcelorMittal confirms its in talks to transfer ownership to Kazakhstan. But a change of ownership won’t necessarily make mining any safer.