Kazakhstan

In December 1986, the Jeltoqsan protests erupted in Almaty, Kazakhstan, in response to the Soviet Union's appointment of Gennady Kolbin, an ethnic Russian, as the First Secretary of the Communist Party of Kazakhstan. This decision was seen as a disregard for the national identity and local leadership by the central Soviet authorities. Thousands of Kazakh students and citizens took to the streets to protest against the decision, leading to violent clashes with security forces. The events marked a significant moment in Kazakhstan's pre-independence history, highlighting ethnic tensions and rising nationalist sentiments.

On December 16, 1991, Kazakhstan declared its independence from the Soviet Union, becoming the last Soviet republic to do so. The declaration came after the dissolution of the Soviet Union and marked a new beginning for Kazakhstan as a sovereign state. The country embarked on building its own government, economy, and international relations, adopting numerous reforms to transition from a planned economy to a market economy. Kazakhstan’s independence was recognized by many countries, and it became a member of the United Nations in 1992.

On November 15, 1993, Kazakhstan introduced the tenge as its national currency, replacing the Soviet ruble. This move was a crucial step in establishing an independent economic system following the dissolution of the Soviet Union. The introduction of the tenge was part of the broader economic reforms aimed at stabilizing the economy and reducing inflation. The transition to the new currency was managed with the assistance of international financial institutions and marked Kazakhstan's progress towards establishing its own monetary policy and financial infrastructure.

On May 10, 1994, Kazakhstan signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) as a non-nuclear-weapon state. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Kazakhstan found itself with the world's fourth-largest nuclear arsenal on its territory. The decision to join the NPT and relinquish nuclear weapons was part of Kazakhstan's commitment to global security and non-proliferation. The country worked closely with the United States and other powers to safely dismantle and relocate its nuclear warheads, a move that was praised internationally as a significant step toward nuclear disarmament.

On December 10, 1997, Kazakhstan officially moved its capital from Almaty to Astana (now Nur-Sultan). The decision to relocate the capital was made by President Nursultan Nazarbayev and was driven by several strategic and geopolitical considerations, including Astana's more central location, which facilitated better access to other regions in Kazakhstan, and its potential to stimulate economic growth and development in the north of the country. The relocation was part of a broader plan to modernize and develop infrastructure in Kazakhstan.

On September 14, 2001, Kazakhstan became a member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). The SCO is a political, economic, and security alliance that was founded in 2001 by six countries: China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. The organization aims to enhance political trust, promote cooperation in trade and the economy, and ensure regional security. For Kazakhstan, membership in the SCO represents a strategic partnership with neighboring countries, especially in the areas of security and economic development.

On December 4, 2005, Nursultan Nazarbayev was re-elected as President of Kazakhstan, securing his position for another term with over 90% of the vote. This election was criticized by international observers for irregularities and a lack of political competition. Despite this, the election results reflected Nazarbayev's continued popularity and his role in maintaining political stability and economic growth in Kazakhstan. During his presidency, Nazarbayev emphasized modernization efforts and economic reforms, though his administration was often criticized for authoritarian practices.

The Zhanaozen massacre occurred on December 16, 2011, in the town of Zhanaozen, western Kazakhstan, where a peaceful protest by oil workers demanding better wages turned violent. Police opened fire on demonstrators, resulting in at least 14 deaths and many injuries. The incident was part of a longer labor strike that had been ongoing in the region, and it highlighted the challenges faced by Kazakhstan in balancing rapid economic growth with social and political stability. The government's response and the lack of accountability for the violence drew international condemnation.

Astana (now Nur-Sultan) hosted the World Expo 2017 from June 10 to September 10, marking a significant event for Kazakhstan as it was the first time the country hosted such a major international exposition. The theme of Expo 2017 was 'Future Energy', focusing on innovative and sustainable energy solutions. The event attracted millions of visitors and participants from over 100 countries, showcasing Kazakhstan's commitment to addressing global energy challenges and highlighting the country's development in renewable energy and sustainable practices.

On March 19, 2019, Nursultan Nazarbayev, the first President of Kazakhstan, announced his resignation after almost three decades in power. His resignation marked a significant political transition for the country, as Nazarbayev had been a central figure in Kazakhstan since its independence. Although he stepped down from the presidency, Nazarbayev retained significant influence by holding positions such as Chairman of the Security Council and head of the ruling Nur Otan party. Under his leadership, Kazakhstan experienced economic growth and development, but also faced criticism for limited political freedoms.