Uncharted Waters: Presidential Successions in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan
Uncharted Waters: Presidential Successions in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan

Author(s): Jos Boonstra, Marlène Laruelle
Subject(s): National Economy, Economic policy, Government/Political systems, Security and defense, Political economy, Economic development
Published by: CEPS Centre for European Policy Studies
Keywords: Kazakhstan; Uzbekistan; economic growth; economic development; regime; security; politics; political elites; democratization;
Summary/Abstract: Popular legend holds that the 18th century French King, Louis XV, claimed that after his death everything would fall apart (après moi, le déluge). To outsiders, a similar uncertainty surrounds Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to some extent, because they are both led by presidents that have been in power since 1989, even before their respective countries became independent in 1991. Nursultan Nazarbayev (74) of Kazakhstan and Islam Karimov (77) of Uzbekistan have established and maintained a firm grip on their countries, but have not indicated who might succeed them in the future. Both states are authoritarian and seek regional leadership. Kazakhstan is renowned for its natural resource-driven economic growth and international flair, and is often seen as the region’s economic engine. Uzbekistan is the most populous country in Central Asia and has a strong security sector compared to neighbours that includes relatively capable armed forces and an influential intelligence community.

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