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Albert Otkjær

Albert Otkjær

The Diplomat

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Kazakhstan’s Pragmatic Foreign Policy Faces Uncertainty Amid Attacks Across the Middle East

Since the Israeli-U.S. attack on Iran on February 28, which triggered numerous regional airstrikes, Kazakhstan has scrambled to maintain positive...

09.03.2026 2

The Diplomat

Albert Otkjær

Kazakh Journalists are Being Fined for Surveying Public Opinion on the Upcoming Referendum

As Kazakhstan prepares to vote on crucial constitutional changes, media workers are being fined for asking the public about the vote.

24.02.2026 10

The Diplomat

Albert Otkjær

With Deportations and Extraditions, Kazakhstan Continues Pursuit of Fled Russians

With its move toward extraditing Russian activist Yulia Yemelyanova, Kazakhstan restates its efforts to keep politically sensitive individuals at a...

14.02.2026 10

The Diplomat

Albert Otkjær

Kazakh-US Collaboration Deepens as Oil Exports Through Russia Come Under Fire

As Ukrainian attacks on Kazakhstan’s primary oil export route intensify, the Central Asian state has moved to deepen cooperation with the United...

29.01.2026 4

The Diplomat

Albert Otkjær

Kazakh Soldiers Dying in Peacetime

The number of reported deaths within the ranks of the Kazakh military has surged in recent years, while the circumstances surrounding many of these...

17.01.2026 10

The Diplomat

Albert Otkjær

Killing of Tajik Boy in Moscow Sparks Debate About Motive

After a 10-year-old Tajik boy was killed at a Moscow-area school last Tuesday, Dushanbe has spoken out, calling the attack an act of ethnic hatred,...

23.12.2025 8

The Diplomat

Albert Otkjær

The Slow Transformation of Kazakhstan’s Independence Day

Thirty-nine years after the protests that helped pave the way for Kazakhstan’s independence, the way the day is commemorated is quietly changing.

17.12.2025 5

The Diplomat

Albert Otkjær

Activists at the Forefront Against New Kazakh Law Targeting LGBTQ+ Rights

Activists opposed to a new law banning the spread of “LGBT propaganda” might already be subject to it.

01.12.2025 5

The Diplomat

Albert Otkjær

Kazakhstan’s ‘Eternal’ and Pragmatic Relations on Display in Russia Visit

Less than a week after visiting Donald Trump in the White House, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev traveled to Russia to further the countries’...

15.11.2025 9

The Diplomat

Albert Otkjær

In Kazakhstan, Energy Security Is Increasingly in Danger

While the war in Ukraine keeps evolving, recent counterattacks have put Kazakhstan’s energy system under growing threat.

04.11.2025 4

The Diplomat

Albert Otkjær

Russia and Kazakhstan: Propaganda Posts and Realpolitik

While public Russian figures continue to undermine Kazakhstan, the Kazakh president seems to increasingly turn a blind eye. 

28.10.2025 4

The Diplomat

Albert Otkjær

Forward Kairat: The Champions League Returns to Kazakhstan

With Almaty qualifying for the first time in its history, both the team’s strengths and weaknesses are on display.

01.10.2025 10

The Diplomat

Albert Otkjær

Tokayev’s Digital Vision for Kazakhstan

In his annual State of the Nation speech, Tokayev gave new insights into how he envisions the development of Kazakhstan as a digital state.

20.09.2025 10

The Diplomat

Albert Otkjær

Kazakh Activists Face Legal Action Over Support for Jailed Politician

Supporters of the opposition figure and former ultramarathon runner Marat Zhylanbayev face mounting legal pressure in Kazakhstan.

28.08.2025 10

The Diplomat

Albert Otkjær

Swindler or Scapegoat? Provisional Verdict Announced in Large-Scale Kazakh Embezzlement Case

Kazakh charity founder Perizat Kairat sentenced to 10 years for embezzling millions in flood relief funds, raising questions about political ties and...

08.08.2025 4

The Diplomat

Albert Otkjær

From Terrorists to Trading Partners: Smoothing Kazakh-Afghan Relations

After Russia became the first country to officially recognize Afghanistan’s Taliban government, Kazakhstan may not be far behind – all in the name...

24.07.2025 10

The Diplomat

Albert Otkjær

Kazakhstan Bans Veils in an Effort to Heighten Security

As the last country in Central Asia to do so, Kazakhstan has outlawed face coverings to increase public safety, a move that might put religious groups...

15.07.2025 10

The Diplomat

Albert Otkjær

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...

01.07.2025 6

The Diplomat

Albert Otkjær

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 5

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 6

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 6

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 7

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 7

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 10

The Diplomat

Albert Otkjær