Colonial Legacies and Nationalism in Post-Soviet Central Asia: The Case of Kazakhstan

Abstract

This article examines the colonial legacies in Kazakhstan and how they have shaped the rise of nationalism and identity formation in the post-Soviet era. It specifically focuses on the period following Kazakhstan’s independence in 1991, analyzing the transition from Soviet control to national sovereignty and the accompanying challenges in constructing a unified national identity. By reviewing Soviet policies in Kazakhstan, including the forced settlement of ethnic groups and economic restructuring, the paper illustrates how these policies created a complex social fabric that affected the nation’s development after independence. The study also considers the impact of Russian cultural and political influence in shaping Kazakhstan’s post-Soviet nationalism. Using a combination of archival materials, government records, and interviews with key figures, the article traces the evolving discourse on national identity and examines how Kazakhstan navigated its relationship with Russia, while promoting its own cultural heritage and historical narrative. The paper concludes by exploring the role of nationalism in Kazakhstan’s regional position within Central Asia and its efforts to assert itself on the global stage.