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Albert Otkjær

Albert Otkjær

The Diplomat

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Propaganda, Pay, and Prison: The Kazakhs Fighting in Ukraine

While many Central Asian migrants have been coerced or pressured into fighting for Russia in Ukraine, a number of Kazakh citizens have taken up arms...

tuesday 7

The Diplomat

Albert Otkjær

A Business Hub for Central Asia’s Elite? What to Expect From Alatau

A Business Hub for Central Asia’s Elite? What to Expect From Alatau

While Tokayev’s vision of a futurist Singapore-style city is slowly getting started, it takes a different development approach than Astana did....

24.06.2025 10

The Diplomat

Albert Otkjær

Russia and Kazakhstan’s Growing Lists of Undesirables

Since 2022, the number of individuals barred from entering either Russia or Kazakhstan has grown significantly.

27.05.2025 3

The Diplomat

Albert Otkjær

Kazakhstan’s Slow Shift Away From Celebrating Victory Day

While the Soviet victory in World War II 80 years ago is still celebrated today, its form has changed to be less about Soviet heritage, and more about...

14.05.2025 5

The Diplomat

Albert Otkjær

Kazakhstan’s Pragmatic Road Toward Europe

Strengthening ties with the EU could recalibrate the country’s balancing act between Russia and the West, especially when it comes to sanctions...

30.04.2025 10

The Diplomat

Albert Otkjær

Kazakhstan’s Ambivalent Relationship With the CSTO

The recent controversy surrounding CSTO General Secretary Imangali Tasmagambetov reveals the instability of the organization’s relationship with...

08.04.2025 6

The Diplomat

Albert Otkjær

No Aid, All Investments: The Future of Chinese Engagement in Kazakhstan

With U.S. aid diminished, it seems unlikely that China will fill the gap. Beijing favors investments in infrastructure over civil society.

25.03.2025 40

The Diplomat

Albert Otkjær

Kazakhstan’s Foreign Agent Law Proposal Could Severely Impact Civil Society and Media Freedom

As Kazakhstan debates stricter regulations on foreign-funded NGOs and media, some organizations are already closing down due to the freeze on USAID...

03.03.2025 8

The Diplomat

Albert Otkjær