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Russian President Vladimir Putin looks on during a meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow late on April 29, 2026. (Getty Images)
Hudson Institute will host a discussion on the recent resignation of President Nursultan Nazarbayev and the future of Kazakhstan. Nursultan Nazarbayev’s sudden resignation as president of Kazakhstan on March 19—a post he had occupied since the country’s independence in 1990—marked the end of a tenure characterized by corruption, electoral fraud, and human rights abuses. Or did it?
Far from retiring quietly, Nazarbayev continues to exercise authority over Kazakhstan, designating himself Leader of the Nation and retaining control of the influential national security council. Experts have explained his move from president to powerbroker as a new kind of authoritarian transition—one that could even provide a future model for Vladimir Putin. Heavily influenced by Russia and China, Kazakhstan is an increasingly important strategic consideration for the United States. The future of Nazarbayev’s regime will have significant implications for U.S. engagement in Central Asia and beyond.
Hudson Research Fellow Ben Judah will be joined by George Washington University’s Marlene Laruelle, the National Defense University’s Erica Marat, and Nate Schenkkan from Freedom House.
**NOTE: This event is open to the press. All members of the media should RSVP to press@hudson.org.**
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