Book Launch: Political Economy of Kazakhstan: From Neoliberal Dogma to Social Catastrophe

On 27 October 2025, the OSCE Academy in Bishkek hosted the launch of Dr. Kuat Akizhanov’s book, Political Economy of Kazakhstan: From Neoliberal Dogma to Social Catastrophe. The event brought together MA students, faculty, and external participants.

The event was opened by Dr. Shairbek Dzhuraev, Deputy Director of the OSCE Academy, who also moderated the subsequent discussion of the book's themes. Dr. Akizhanov briefly introduced the book, and the floor was opened for discussion. Such an interactive format allowed participants to interact with the author and to learn deeper about Kazakhstan’s 30-year neoliberal economic model and its role in creating socio-economic inequality and consolidating elite wealth. Dr. Akizhanov also proposed policy alternatives, including reindustrialization, the introduction of basic income, and drew lessons from international experiences in countries such as China, South Korea, Argentina, Chile, and the United States.

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