By John Dunkelgrün
Kazakhstan has been independent for almost 35 years, having been a one of the Soviet Republics within the USSR for nearly twice that duration. The transition to a market economy and democratic governance has proven challenging. Initiated by Kazakhstan’s first President, Nursultan Nazarbayev, economic development has advanced more rapidly than political and administrative reforms. This growth has been supported by the country’s vast reserves of oil, gas, and mineral resources. While individuals and businesses often respond faster to new opportunities than state institutions in the process of nation-building, steady progress continues.
In an interview by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, entitled “Kazakhstan Has Entered a New Stage of Modernisation,” published in the Turkistan newspaper on 5 January 2026, he reaffirmed his commitment to transforming Kazakhstan into a state grounded in justice, the rule of law, and order. He confirmed that political reforms would continue and indicated that major constitutional changes would be submitted to a national referendum.
These themes were further constructively developed during the National Kurultai (Congress) on 20 January 2026, where President Tokayev outlined key directions for further developing of Kazakhstan’s political system, through a constitutional reform, including transition to a unicameral parliament, strengthening the role of parliamentarians, as well as enhancing the role of the youth in state development.
As Tim Marshall observed in his 2015 book, nations are shaped by their geography. Kazakhstan borders two of the world’s largest and most influential countries and is home to a significant Russian-speaking population. In its ambition to become a modern state with a fully integrated economy, Kazakhstan must carefully navigate a complex geopolitical environment. Rather than publicly aligning itself in international disputes, President Tokayev favors a balanced and discreet diplomatic approach.
Yet, as a famous Dutch footballer and folk philosopher once remarked, “Every problem is an opportunity.” Kazakhstan’s unique geographic location makes it a key land-based corridor between East and West, as well as between Russia and the South. Recognizing this potential, the government is investing heavily in road and rail infrastructure and is an active participant in China’s Belt and Road Initiative. President Tokayev views transit and logistics as central drivers of economic growth and diversification, reducing dependence on oil and gas.
He expects 2026 to be a crucial year, marked by significant constitutional reforms and major upgrades to the transit routes crossing this vast and strategically positioned country.
