Chaos in Kazakhstan Heightens At Extreme Rates

By Aly Billon ‘24

Kazakhstan, one of the largest countries in Central Asia, is experiencing its greatest challenge to authority in recent history. 

Kazakhstan, a territory as large as Western Europe and resting upon enormous resources of oil, and natural gas, is attempting to manage the violent protests that recently broke out. 
Riots started across the country on Wednesday, January 5th due to the sudden rise in gasoline prices. Kazakhstan is one of the largest oil producers in the world, however, it distributes much of this oil to other countries leaving its own population with regular oil shortages. 
At the recent rise in gas prices, citizens of Kazakhstan were enraged and immediately took to the streets. 
“I can imagine it's hard for people to live this way, but rioting is never the answer,” said eighth grader Maya Suskauer.  “Then again, we can’t possibly know what it’s like for them.”
Freshman Rachel Nadelman said, “I was unaware that riots were taking place in Kazakhstan, but I believe that citizens should protest peacefully for their rights and not riot.”
The riots started in the west of the country and quickly spread. By the end of the weekend, rioters filled the streets of the country. Although the rise in gas prices set the riots in motion, their true cause stemmed from years of inequality and poverty with seemingly no end. 
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the president of Kazakhstan, called the rioters “bandits,” blaming them for the violence, and ordered security forces to “kill without warning.” The rioters are demanding reform, but their voices have grown into background noise, as no leaders are stepping up to oppose the current government. 
6th grade teacher Mrs. Altabef said, “Events like this help us learn about the impact of a global economy.  Poor Kazakhstan, they have all this gas and they have to sell it to make money.  This gives us some perspective on the negative impact that exporting natural resources can have on their own local population.”
As Kazakhstan's government became increasingly overwhelmed by the political warfare spreading across the country, it declared a national state of emergency. On Friday, January 7th, national television Tokayev explained that an "anti-terrorist operation continues" throughout the country. Tokayev emphasizes that these protesters are terrorists destroying Kazakhstan’s integrity. 
These violent protests are not only hurting Kazakhstan but its surrounding countries as well. Kazakhstan is an extremely large distributor of oil, natural gas, and coal. 
Emma Ashford, a resident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council wrote, “That political stability has enabled it to become a major exporter of oil, natural gas, and coal.” 
It is critical that Kazakhstan keeps its government and economy stable so it can distribute goods to Russia, Moscow, and China, given the severity of those countries’ reliance on these resources. 
China and Russia are worried about Kazakhstan’s unstable state. The Russian-led military alliance is helping the Kazakhstan government fight the riots. Many are confused why Kazakhstan feels the need for outside assistance, but Russia’s interest in Kazakhstan arises from their need for their country's gas. 
NBC reporter James Nixey said, “Russia is always concerned that former Soviet republics will leave the fold, and Kazakhstan is a particularly important one.”
It has grown evident to the world why Russia is concerned with Kazakhstan’s condition.
Russia and China continue to monitor the situation very closely as their economies are highly dependent on the outcome of this political strife.  Kazakhstan supplies at least five percent of China’s natural gas, therefore, China is greatly concerned that these riots will put their oil supply in danger.
Nixey reports that “The Chinese will be waiting anxiously, really from more of an economic point of view, which is where their principal interests currently lie.” 
The mass chaos and destruction in Kazakhstan are extremely unpredictable. The country will continue to face protests against the government if reform doesn’t occur. Although the president may have indicated that there could be possible reform, the government has no real solution at this time, and the rioters have no identifiable demand. 
“It's hard to know what’s going on around the world,” freshman Abby Hodes said, “Human rights are what’s important, no matter the country."