On October 6 of this year, the people of Kazakhstan participated in a referendum to decide whether nuclear power should become a part of their daily lives, or whether the haunting legacy of atomic testing would continue to limit the country’s progress in this area. The official preliminary results, released on October 7, showed that 71.12% of participants agreed to the construction of a nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan with a voter turnout of 63.66%. President Tokayev’s goal in holding a referendum was to ensure that arguments in favor of nuclear energy were compelling and that citizens, scientists, and government officials were involved in the decision-making process. Tokayev has since suggested that an “international consortium made up of global companies equipped with cutting-edge technologies” should be involved in the project. In partnership with the American Foreign Policy Council, on October 30, 2024, TCA convened a virtual event to discuss what the referendum result means for energy security, geopolitics, and new business opportunities for both regional and global actors.

RELATED PUBLICATION:

https://www.cacianalyst.org/publications/analytical-articles/item/13828-kazakhstans-first-npp-economics-and-geopolitics.html

PANELISTS:
James Walker, CEO and Head of Reactor Dev.,

NANO Nuclear Energy Mamuka Tsereteli, Senior Fellow for Eurasia, American Foreign Policy Council

Stephen M. Bland, Senior Editor, The Times of Central Asia

Askar Alimzhanov, Senior Editor, The Times of Central Asia

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The discussion explored how Kazakhstan has leveraged its economic strength and strategic foreign policy to assert itself as a Middle Power, influencing regional dynamics and international relations amidst great power competition in the region. The panel will explore the consequences of this development for Central Asia's security architecture, particularly in the absence of a collective security mechanism. Additionally, the panel will discuss Kazakhstan's multilateral initiatives and international engagements that have solidified its status, as well as the domestic reforms supporting its new role and the challenges that remain.

RELATED PUBLICATION: Kazakhstan & the Rise of Middle Powers in Central Asia (Cornell, CACI Analyst, 2024)

PANELISTS:
- Dr. Svante Cornell, Director, Central Asia-Caucasus Institute

- Mr. Miras Zhiyenbayev, Senior Fellow and Head, Foreign Policy and International Studies Program MIND Institute, Maqsut Narikbayev University

MODERATOR: 
- Dr. Frederick Starr, Distinguished Fellow and Chairman, Central Asia-Caucasus Institute

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A presentation by the Spring 2024 CAMCA Fellows, focusing on the advancement of digital connectivity in Central Asia, Mongolia, the Caucasus, and Afghanistan. In the interconnected landscape of the CAMCA region, digital connectivity serves as a cornerstone for both economic prosperity and social progress. This event is not merely about enhancing digital infrastructure; it's about fostering deeper connections across the region. The Fellows will delve into how overcoming challenges is crucial for unlocking economic potential, ensuring equitable access, and driving regional integrati