Instability in Kazakhstan will resonate in regional geopolitics

News: Violent unrest has been taken in Kazakhstan after the increase in fuel prices.

What are the reasons for the crisis in Kazakhstan?

1) Rise in LPG prices 2) Inflation 3) Unrest against the authoritarian government.

What are the consequences of the protest?

– Killings of dozens of security and police personnel and arrest of over 2000 protesters.

– Possibility of bringing disturbance in the Central Asian region, especially after the Taliban takeover.

– It can complicate India plans to bring stability in the region.

Importance of Kazakhstan

Despite having an autocratic government and having a deeply unequal society, the country holds significant strategic importance in the region. This is the reason that neither China nor Russia can afford political instability, and Russia continues to be the main security provider in the region.

How is the Kazakhstan government handling the crisis?

Kazakhstan is seeking military aid from the Collective Security Treaty Organisation — a Russia-led security alliance of former Soviet republics and Russian “peacekeeping” troops to bring stability to the region.

Source: This post is based on the following articles:

“Instability in Kazakhstan will resonate in regional geopolitics” published in the Indian Express on 8th January 2022.

“Russia led troops deployed in Kazakhstan” published in The Hindu on 8th January 2022.