New Kazakhstan vs. Divided Kazakhstan: Policies Critical for Kasym-Jomart Tokayev

... Kazakh-language schools lag far behind in the quality of teaching. This is confirmed by the results of international testing. In fact, the Russian language in modern Kazakhstan is the only way to get a quality education, a well-paid job and a higher social status. ... ... political discussions and becomes an excuse for provocations. The gap between the modernized and Europeanized part of Kazakhstani society and those who are more oriented to traditional norms, largely tied to Islam, is deepening. The appeal to traditions is ...