Kazakh leader stronger but unmet promises are a risk

Significance

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev says that the immediate emergency is over and that the CSTO force can safely depart after making a "psychological" contribution to removing the threat. He has appointed a prime minister to his liking and generally consolidated power to the detriment of predecessor Nursultan Nazarbayev's associates.

Impacts

• Russia's speedy assistance via the CSTO will bring it influence with Kazakhstan's new leadership.
• Conversely, the CSTO deployment is a message to Moscow about continuity in relations despite partial regime change.
• Foreign investors will re-evaluate Kazakhstan's economic attractiveness in light of the recent crisis.