Kazakhstan, the world's most important hedger, bets on stability

OpinionTokayev consolidates power to preserve a balance between China, Russia and the USKen MoriyasuAugust 26, 2026 05:05 JSTKazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev casts his ballot at a polling station during a parliamentary election in Astana, Kazakhstan, on Aug. 23. © ReutersKen Moriyasu, a former correspondent for Nikkei, is a senior fellow at Hudson Institute.Read NextPoliticsKazakhstan's Tokayev tightens grip on power after snap electionEnergyBlackout tests Central Asia push for deeper power grid, data centersIran warHow the US-Iran war has redrawn Asia's energy mapArtificial intelligenceStarting gun for Central Asia data center race triggeredEnergyUzbekistan draws new-energy investors in move away from gasCaixinKazakhstan railway operator files for Hong Kong IPOElectric vehiclesVinFa