Chester Newland, Emeritus Professor of Public Administration at the University of Southern California, gave a high assessment of the political reforms of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in an interview with Kazakh media. Newland previously served as an adviser to US presidents Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan.
According to Zakon.kz, journalists asked Newland whether he was following Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's career and how he would characterise him.
"I have not worked with him directly. Nevertheless, he has proven himself to be a leader contributing to the strengthening of Kazakhstan's growing international authority in global affairs. Practical steps, such as establishing ties with the UN, opening an embassy and consulates in the US and other countries, and holding international conferences and other events in Kazakhstan – all of this has helped to strengthen the country's position," he said.
Newland believes that the current President of Kazakhstan is "leading the country towards an era of Enlightenment," placing emphasis on the rule of law and national sovereignty. The professor stressed that Tokayev is striving to build a mature republic where the source of power is society, rather than a narrow circle of elites.
"President Tokayev clearly and convincingly articulates his well-founded aspiration to replace autocratic governance with the development of a civil culture in which the people are active participants and are treated with respect by professional and responsible civil servants. This is the fundamental principle of popular sovereignty and a limited state based on the rule of law and constitutional democracy," the statement reads.
Chester Newland's assessment highlights that the reforms being implemented in Kazakhstan are resonating and gaining recognition beyond the country's borders, including among international experts with many years of experience working in government structures.