DISINFO: The West wants to destabilise Kazakhstan to open a second front against Russia
SUMMARY
Western elites may have an interest in destabilizing Kazakhstan by opening a second front against Russia. Kazakhstan, on fire, as in January 2021, could hit these elites themselves (remember French interests, as well as numerous European investments in Kazakhstan's energy projects). But such a conflict could divert Russian and Chinese resources, which is to the West's advantage. Therefore, Moscow and Beijing should take measures to prevent destabilization in Central Asia, shifting the centre of gravity to Uzbekistan if Kazakhstan fails to assume a leading role in the region.
RESPONSE
There is no credible evidence to support claims about foreign interference of any kind during the unrest in Kazakhstan, which occurred in 2022, or in any other country. This claim also fits well into recurring disinformation narrative suggesting Western policy of staging “colour revolutions” worldwide with the aim of destabilising Russia.
In January 2022, peaceful protests against rising liquid gas prices led to nationwide protests against economic inequality in Kazakhstan. The protests descended into riots, and prompted a massive security response from the government, including a “shoot to kill” order and the unprecedented deployment of forces from the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO). The crackdown included internet shutdowns, a massive wave of arrests and arbitrary detentions.
The article's claims also fit well into recurring pro-Kremlin disinformation narratives about the belligerent West trying to encircle Russia, to separate post-Soviet countries and isolate Russia.
The EU and US recognise the importance of the sovereignty and strategic autonomy of the Central Asian States, individually and as a region. Tackling common security challenges and building the region’s resilience are among priority strands for the EU-Central Asia and US-Central Asia partnerships. Political, economic, cultural, trade and security partnerships between the United States, EU and Central Asia states are not being directed against Russia or any other country.
See this fact sheet on the EU's relations with Central Asia. See other examples of similar disinformation narratives in our database, such as claims that US-sponsored Kazakhstan protests aimed to undermine CIS stability, that protests in Kazakhstan are a new Western attempt to organise a colour revolution, that events in Kazakhstan are another Western-made colour revolution or that EU and US aim to generate a new wave of anti-government protests in Belarus.