Who benefits from destabilizing Kazakhstan?

Protests have dragged on for several weeks in Kazakhstan. The protests were sparked by recent amendments to the Land Code of the country which governs the use of land by foreigners. Protesters came out onto the streets with slogans such as “Against the sale of land to foreigners.” The government subsequently issued a statement that it is not planning to sell land to other countries, but the situation has not improved.

Ukrainian scenario

Eyewitnesses say that radical Islamists are among the main forces destabilizing the situation in Kazakhstan, which points to the involvement in these events of organizations primarily linked to the West. Many facts of the situation suggest that the grounds are being prepared for a Ukrainian-style “Euromaidan” or another “Arab Spring.”

A strike at Russia

Kazakhstan is one of Russia's main allies and a member of both the CSTO and the Customs Union. Astana traditionally maintains a pro-Moscow course and is among Russia’s principle partners in Central Asia. The destabilization of Kazakhstan and potential conflict in the region would primarily hit Russia as the core of Eurasia.

Anti-Chinese sentiment

The pro-Western character of the riots is underlined by fact that they often put forth anti-China slogans. The belief is widespread in Kazakh society that Beijing is attempting to seize Kazakh land and use Kazakhstan as a springboard for the further consolidation of Central Asia. By exploiting this myth, the organizers have chosen amendments to the Land Code as a pretext for the mass protests. This is a blow to relations between Kazakhstan and two members of BRICS.

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Who benefits from destabilizing Kazakhstan?