Kazakhstan embraces 2024 with optimism: resilience, constructive diplomacy, and political renewal

“President Tokayev, on the second anniversary of Qantar, provided a comprehensive interview to Egemen Qazaqstan, offering a nuanced assessment of domestic and foreign policies that sets the tone for the entire state political system,” said the expert.

“Political science likes to identify regularities, classifying various states based on different parameters into different groups, essentially modeling standard scenarios of political system development. History textbooks teach us those political systems facing spontaneous protests and attempts at violent power takeover, similar to what we experienced in January 2022, tend to ‘tighten the screws,’ sterilize, and preserve their systems,” he explained.

However, the case of Kazakhstan demonstrates the opposite: the response to the January events showcased the ability of the state and society to progress. This highlights the exceptional nature of Kazakhstan's political tradition.

He noted that in 2023, Kazakhstan completed a comprehensive set of political reforms.

“One way or another, today we have a fundamentally different institution of the President, revamped Parliament chambers with expanded powers, and a renewed government. Changes are a lengthy process, but the subtle readjustment of the entire system and the focus on strong institutions are important steps to safeguard the rule of law, the state, and its citizens,” he said.

State-building is a "long game," he added.

“These political institutions will exist both in 10 and 100 years – thus, the fundamental principles laid today will enable us to ensure long-term stability in the development of the state in an era of global changes,” he said.

The ultimate success of any state is the result of the daily hard work and diligence of each of its citizens, said Zhiyenbayev.

“A key point from the interview: we see ourselves as a progressive society, committed to national values, youthful in our demographic structure, and overall, a confident nation in our future. Drawing on the centuries-old tradition of statehood and the experience of nation-building, we continue to move forward, avoiding setbacks, stagnation, and conservatism,” he said.

Speaking about foreign policy, in 2024, Zhiyenbayev said Kazakhstan is entering a crucial period as it prepares to chair in several key international organizations simultaneously, where the “success of synergizing their potentials will play a significant role in international affairs.”

“In practice, we maintain our commitment to the norms of international law, remaining one of the few countries in the world today where dialogue is possible, and space for multilateral diplomacy is preserved. Several decades ago, similar circumstances allowed Geneva to become the capital of world diplomacy, hosting the majority of international organizations and serving as the headquarters for UN agencies. What this will bring to Astana in current conditions remains to be seen,” said the expert.

In any case, he is sure Kazakhstan’s foreign policy demonstrates remarkable resilience, and the new opportunities arising in a changing world provide additional room for Kazakh diplomacy to be active.

“This is a crucial strategic asset for Kazakhstan, utilized to achieve our own national development goals,” said the expert.

Zhiyenbayev emphasized regardless of what 2024 holds for the world and Kazakhstan, the stability of the state and society, the ability to create new development opportunities, and a fundamental commitment to progress and renewal are all important factors for optimism.

In a landmark move, Kazakhstan completed a comprehensive set of political reforms in 2023. The nation displayed an impressive ability to transform and a steadfast commitment to bolstering state institutions. The President's office underwent fundamental changes, Parliament chambers saw an update with expanded powers, and the Government underwent a process of renewal. These changes, although time-consuming, underscore a meticulous effort to fine-tune the entire political system, placing a strong emphasis on the rule of law, statehood, and the citizens' authority. The reforms lay a foundation for the nation's long-term stability, providing a framework for navigating the challenges of a dynamically changing global landscape.

Societal Progress and Commitment to Values

During the interview, President Tokayev stressed that the ultimate success of any state hinges on the dedicated efforts of its citizens. Kazakhstan envisions itself as a progressive society deeply rooted in national values, boasting a youthful demographic structure. With a rich history of statehood and nation-building, the country remains committed to a trajectory of progress, steering clear of regression, stagnation, or conservatism.

Forward-Looking Foreign Policy

Entering 2024, Kazakhstan assumes a pivotal role with multiple chairmanships in key international organizations. The success of synergizing these roles is anticipated to wield significant influence in global affairs. Kazakhstan maintains a steadfast commitment to international law norms, distinguishing itself as a nation where dialogue is possible, and space for multilateral diplomacy is preserved. The country's foreign policy resilience is evident, and the evolving global landscape offers additional opportunities for Kazakh diplomacy, strategically leveraged to achieve national development goals.

Optimism Amid Uncertainties

Irrespective of the challenges that 2024 may present, Kazakhstan remains optimistic. The nation's stability, its society's ability to create new opportunities for development, and an unwavering commitment to progress and renewal stand out as crucial factors fueling this optimism. President Tokayev's vision, as articulated in the recent interview, sets the tone for a year where Kazakhstan is poised for progress and renewal on both domestic and international fronts.