Kazakh leader manages domestic and external pressures

Significance

As President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev tries to manage the impact of Russia's war in Ukraine, he is promising political and economic reforms to consolidate his position following serious unrest in January. Speaking on March 16, he called for his own "super-presidential" powers to be reduced and parliament to be strengthened accordingly.

Impacts

• Efforts to reclaim Nazarbayev family wealth abroad may be assisted by an increased UK appetite for tackling oligarchs.
• Kazakhstan's rejection of Russian actions will be backed by Uzbekistan, which is taking an equally independent line.
• Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan will not criticise Russia as they rely on it as a migrant labour destination.