I am currently reading the 2008 book by Nursultan Nazarbayev who succeeded in separating Kazakhastan from the old Soviet Union, and it’s Putin led replacement. In The Kazakkhstan Way he describes his experience and thinking as he tries to establish a successful independent country. Iran faces similar problems for the future without any stability created by a former high level manager from the old system, such as Nazarbayev. I knew he had remained in office or as a power for many more years after 2008 so asked AI about his overall rule both good and bad:
“AI Overview
==Nursultan Nazarbayev, leading Kazakhstan from 1989 to 2019, is credited with establishing a stable, internationally recognized state and developing its energy sector, attracting significant foreign investment. However, his regime was defined by rampant corruption, extreme nepotism, and the systematic elimination of political competition, transforming from a “modernizer” into an authoritarian “leader of the nation”.
*The “Good” (Constructive Leadership and Development):
—Economic Stability and Growth: Nazarbayev oversaw the transition to a market economy, leveraging rich oil and mineral resources to foster economic growth.
—Attracting Foreign Investment: He successfully presented Kazakhstan as a stable, open, and progressive business-friendly state, crucial for developing its energy sector.
—Geopolitical Balancing: He maintained a delicate balance between global powers, primarily Russia, China, and the United States, positioning Kazakhstan as a reliable regional partner.
—Nuclear Disarmament: In 1991, he led efforts to close the Semipalatinsk nuclear site and renounced the world’s fourth-largest nuclear arsenal, earning international acclaim.
—Infrastructure/Modernization: He built a new capital city, Astana (now temporarily renamed back from Nur-Sultan), as a symbol of modern Kazakhstan.
*The “Bad” (Authoritarianism and Corruption):
—Authoritarian Rule: Nazarbayev dismantled democratic processes, winning re-elections with implausible margins (over 95%), stifling media, and banning effective opposition.
—Endemic Corruption & Nepotism: His family and close circle accumulated massive wealth, controlling key industries and leaving a legacy of inequality.
—Repression of Dissent: His administration ruthlessly suppressed opposition, most notably in the 2011 Zhanaozen massacre of oil workers.
—Failed Succession Plan: Despite designing a transition to secure his family’s assets, the handover to Kassym-Jomart Tokayev was marred by instability, culminating in the 2022 violence that saw him lose power.
—Cult of Personality: He assumed the title “Leader of the Nation,” granting himself immunity from prosecution and installing himself as the focal point of the political system.
==Nazarbayev’s legacy is essentially a tale of two eras: initially creating a functioning state, but ultimately creating a personalized autocracy that struggled with corruption and succession.”
This AI SUMMARY contains many useful pieces of advice and information. As I continue reading the book I will make subsequent ideas and pieces of information available for those thinking about a positive future for Iran and it’s people.
As President of Kazakhstan, Nazarbayev made the same decision Ukraine made, returning the nuclear assets to Russia, and not attempting to acquire nuclear abilities separately. Of course that country is a lot smaller population wise, so probably would have to acquire any nuclear threats by some other means than building their own bomb. Meanwhile, as I read his book I will be interested to see what he may have done to avoid Ukraine’s unfortunate Russia invasion.