Kazakhstan: the regional success story

Abstract:

Kazakhstan can boast economic development like no other country in Central Asia. In contrast to other countries of the region, which have rich natural resources, Kazakhstan has managed to use its economic potential in a way that yields concrete benefits now and, at the same time, creates prospects for further sustainable economic growth.

Kazakhstan owes its position of the regional leader of change to its consistent reform policy during the recent decade, the implementation of which has been definitely facilitated by the stable internal and international situation of the country and its political system, called 'velvet authoritarianism'. Nevertheless, Kazakhstan's success would not have been possible, if not for its economic potential and the favourable conditions on the world markets.

The political situation of the country, which is criticised by the international community, is quite good in the regional context; owing to his strong position, president Nazarbayev fully controls the situation, his actions are predictable, which strengthens the sense of stability and security among the citizens. Therefore, the limitation of democratic liberties has hardly any meaning for a vast majority of Kazakhstan's residents.