Kassym-Jomart Tokayev

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev
Born	Kassym-Zhomart Kemelevich Tokayev 17 5, 1953
Birthplace	Alma-Ata, Kazakh SSR, Soviet Union (now Almaty, Kazakhstan)
Nationality	Kazakh
Occupation	Politician, diplomat
Known for	2nd President of Kazakhstan, former Prime Minister, former Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva
Education	Moscow State Institute of International Relations; Beijing Language and Culture University
Children	1
Website	[Official website Official site]

Kassym-Jomart Kemeluly Tokayev (born 17 May 1953) is a Kazakh politician and diplomat who has served as the second President of Kazakhstan since 2019. A career diplomat whose service spans the final decades of the Soviet Union and the entire period of Kazakh independence, Tokayev has occupied nearly every senior position in Kazakhstan's government, including Prime Minister (1999–2002), Minister of Foreign Affairs (1994–1999; 2002–2007), State Secretary (2002–2003), and Chairman of the Senate (2007–2011; 2013–2019). Between his two tenures as Senate chairman, he served as Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva from 2011 to 2013, making him one of the highest-ranking Central Asian officials to hold a senior position within the United Nations system. Tokayev assumed the presidency in March 2019 following the resignation of long-serving president Nursultan Nazarbayev and won a snap presidential election in June of that year as the candidate of the ruling Nur Otan party. Initially perceived as operating within Nazarbayev's political framework, Tokayev gradually consolidated independent authority, particularly after the January 2022 unrest, which led to a significant restructuring of the country's political landscape, constitutional reforms, and a distancing from the Nazarbayev era. He was re-elected in a snap presidential election in November 2022, winning approximately 81 percent of the vote while running as an independent candidate.

Early Life

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev was born on 17 May 1953 in Alma-Ata (now Almaty), the then-capital of the Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic within the Soviet Union. His father, Kemel Tokayev, was a participant in the Second World War and later became a writer, while details about his mother's background are less extensively documented in public sources.

Growing up in the capital of Soviet Kazakhstan, Tokayev was raised in a milieu that valued education and public service. His formative years coincided with the era of Soviet modernization in Central Asia, when Almaty served as a cultural and administrative hub for the Kazakh SSR. The city's status as a center of higher education and government would shape Tokayev's early aspirations toward a career in diplomacy and international relations.

Tokayev's upbringing in an intellectual household influenced his trajectory toward the Soviet diplomatic service. He demonstrated aptitude in languages from an early age, a skill that would prove instrumental throughout his diplomatic and political career. Tokayev is known to speak multiple languages, including Kazakh, Russian, English, French, and Chinese — the last of which he developed during his studies and diplomatic postings in China.

The details of Tokayev's childhood and adolescence in Alma-Ata remain relatively sparse in publicly available sources, though his background as the son of a war veteran and literary figure placed him within Kazakhstan's educated urban class during the Soviet period.

Education

Tokayev pursued his higher education at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO), one of the Soviet Union's most prestigious institutions for training diplomats and foreign affairs specialists. MGIMO served as the primary feeder institution for the Soviet Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and admission was competitive and selective. Tokayev's enrollment there signaled his early commitment to a career in international diplomacy.

Following his studies at MGIMO, Tokayev undertook additional training at the Beijing Language and Culture University in China, where he deepened his knowledge of the Chinese language and gained first-hand exposure to Chinese culture and politics. This linguistic and cultural training in Beijing proved to be a distinctive asset in his diplomatic career, as it provided him with direct expertise in one of Kazakhstan's most important neighboring powers. The combination of Soviet diplomatic education and Chinese language proficiency gave Tokayev a rare dual orientation toward both the Russian-speaking and Chinese-speaking worlds, which would become central to Kazakhstan's multi-vector foreign policy in the decades following independence.

Tokayev also completed training at the Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, further honing his professional credentials in international relations and diplomacy.

Career

Soviet Diplomatic Service

After completing his education, Tokayev began his professional career within the Soviet Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During the Soviet period, he served in various diplomatic capacities, including postings related to the Soviet Union's relations with Asian countries. His proficiency in Chinese led to assignments connected with Sino-Soviet affairs during a period when relations between Moscow and Beijing were undergoing significant evolution.

Tokayev's career within the Soviet diplomatic apparatus provided him with extensive experience in multilateral diplomacy, treaty negotiations, and the bureaucratic workings of a superpower's foreign policy establishment. These formative professional years gave him skills and networks that would transfer directly to his post-independence career in the government of sovereign Kazakhstan.

Post-Independence Foreign Policy Career

Following Kazakhstan's independence in December 1991, Tokayev transitioned from the Soviet foreign affairs apparatus to the newly formed Kazakh foreign service. The early years of independence were a critical period during which Kazakhstan established its sovereign foreign policy identity, pursued nuclear disarmament by relinquishing the Soviet nuclear arsenal stationed on its territory, and sought recognition and integration into the international community.

Tokayev was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs for the first time in October 1994, a position he held until October 1999. During this five-year tenure, he played a central role in shaping Kazakhstan's foreign policy orientation during a formative period for the young nation. Key priorities during this time included establishing bilateral relations with major global powers, negotiating border agreements with neighboring states — particularly China and Russia — and advancing Kazakhstan's integration into international organizations.

The nuclear disarmament policies that Kazakhstan pursued during the 1990s were among the most significant foreign policy achievements of the post-independence era. Kazakhstan, which had inherited the world's fourth-largest nuclear arsenal from the Soviet Union, chose to denuclearize and accede to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty as a non-nuclear-weapon state. As foreign minister during much of this period, Tokayev was involved in the diplomatic processes surrounding these decisions.

Prime Minister (1999–2002)

In March 1999, Tokayev was appointed Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan, serving alongside Oraz Jandosov under Prime Minister Nurlan Balgimbayev. Later that year, on 1 October 1999, President Nursultan Nazarbayev appointed Tokayev as Prime Minister, succeeding Balgimbayev.

Tokayev's tenure as prime minister, which lasted from October 1999 to January 2002, coincided with a period of economic recovery and transformation in Kazakhstan. The country was emerging from the economic disruptions of the late 1990s, including the effects of the 1998 Russian financial crisis that had reverberated across the former Soviet space. As prime minister, Tokayev was tasked with managing economic stabilization and guiding the country's fiscal and development policies during a period of rising oil revenues that began to transform Kazakhstan's economic outlook.

During his time as head of government, Tokayev oversaw the implementation of economic reforms aimed at diversifying the economy, strengthening the banking sector, and attracting foreign investment. His first deputy prime ministers during this period were Aleksandr Pavlov and Daniyal Akhmetov. Tokayev served as prime minister until 28 January 2002, when he was succeeded by Imangali Tasmagambetov.

State Secretary and Second Tenure as Foreign Minister (2002–2007)

Following his time as prime minister, Tokayev was appointed State Secretary of Kazakhstan on 29 January 2002, a position he held concurrently with his second appointment as Minister of Foreign Affairs. He served as State Secretary until June 2003, succeeding Abish Kekilbayev in the role.

Tokayev's second tenure as foreign minister extended from January 2002 to January 2007, during which he served under prime ministers Imangali Tasmagambetov, Daniyal Akhmetov, and Karim Massimov. This period saw Kazakhstan's continued integration into global institutions and the deepening of its multi-vector foreign policy — a strategy of balancing relations among Russia, China, the United States, the European Union, and other regional partners simultaneously.

During this period, Kazakhstan pursued an active role in regional organizations, including the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA). Tokayev's long experience in diplomacy, combined with his linguistic abilities, made him a central figure in advancing these multilateral engagements.

Chairman of the Senate (2007–2011; 2013–2019)

In January 2007, Tokayev was appointed Chairman of the Senate of Kazakhstan, the upper house of the country's parliament, succeeding Nurtai Abykayev. In Kazakhstan's constitutional framework, the Senate chairman holds the second-highest position in the state hierarchy and is designated as the constitutional successor to the president in the event that the presidency becomes vacant.

Tokayev served as Senate chairman from January 2007 until April 2011, when he was succeeded by Kairat Mami. He was reappointed to the position in October 2013, succeeding Mami, and served until March 2019. During his combined tenures, Tokayev presided over the legislative chamber during a period of significant legislative activity, including the passage of laws related to economic development, social policy, and government reform.

His position as Senate chairman placed him in a constitutionally significant role, and it was this position that would prove pivotal in March 2019 when the presidency became vacant.

Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva (2011–2013)

Between his two stints as Senate chairman, Tokayev served as Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG) from March 2011 to October 2013, succeeding Sergei Ordzhonikidze and being succeeded by Michael Møller. The appointment made Tokayev one of the most senior Central Asian officials in the United Nations system.

As Director-General of UNOG, Tokayev oversaw one of the four major offices of the United Nations Secretariat, responsible for managing the Palais des Nations and serving as the representative of the UN Secretary-General in Switzerland. The role involved coordinating with multiple UN agencies, international organizations, and diplomatic missions headquartered in Geneva.

This international posting further enhanced Tokayev's profile as a diplomat with global experience and reinforced his credentials as a figure comfortable operating in multilateral settings.

Presidency

Accession to the Presidency (2019)

On 19 March 2019, Nursultan Nazarbayev, who had led Kazakhstan since before its independence in 1991, announced his resignation from the presidency. In accordance with the Kazakh constitution, the chairmanship of the Senate provided the line of succession, and Tokayev, as the incumbent Senate chairman, became acting president of Kazakhstan.

Tokayev was sworn in as acting president on 20 March 2019. In his inauguration speech, he praised Nazarbayev's legacy and pledged continuity of policy. One of his first symbolic acts was to propose renaming the capital city from Astana to Nur-Sultan in honor of his predecessor, a proposal that was subsequently adopted (though later reversed in 2022).

International recognition of the transition was swift. Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory telegram, as did Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, among other world leaders.

2019 Presidential Election

A snap presidential election was called for 9 June 2019. Tokayev stood as the candidate of the Nur Otan party, the dominant political party in Kazakhstan which was chaired by Nazarbayev. Tokayev won the election in the first round, according to results announced by Kazakhstan's Central Election Commission.

Following his election, Tokayev delivered his first State of the Nation Address in September 2019, in which he outlined priorities for his presidency, including public involvement in governance, economic modernization, and social policy reforms. Experts noted that the address emphasized citizen engagement as a theme of his new administration.

January 2022 Unrest

In January 2022, protests initially sparked by a sharp increase in liquefied petroleum gas prices in western Kazakhstan rapidly escalated into large-scale unrest across the country, including in Almaty, the largest city. The demonstrations expanded beyond economic grievances to encompass broader political demands, including calls for political reform and opposition to the continued influence of Nazarbayev.

The unrest became violent, with reports of attacks on government buildings and security forces. Tokayev declared a state of emergency and requested peacekeeping assistance from the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), a Russia-led military alliance of which Kazakhstan is a member. CSTO forces, primarily Russian troops, were deployed to Kazakhstan in what was described as a peacekeeping mission. The subsequent security crackdown resulted in casualties and mass arrests, with the government characterizing the unrest as an attempted coup d'état involving both domestic and foreign actors.

The January 2022 crisis proved to be a turning point in Tokayev's presidency. In its aftermath, he moved to consolidate power by removing key political and business figures associated with Nazarbayev, including members of Nazarbayev's family. Tokayev assumed the chairmanship of the Security Council on 5 January 2022, a position previously held by Nazarbayev, and became chairman of the ruling Amanat party (formerly Nur Otan) on 28 January 2022, though he subsequently left the party chairmanship in April 2022.

Constitutional Reforms and 2022 Re-election

Following the January crisis, Tokayev initiated a series of constitutional amendments that were approved in a national referendum in June 2022. The amendments included provisions to reduce presidential terms, limit presidential powers in certain areas, strengthen the role of parliament, and formally remove Nazarbayev's constitutionally enshrined status as "Elbasy" (Leader of the Nation). The capital was also renamed from Nur-Sultan back to Astana.

In November 2022, Tokayev called a snap presidential election, in which he ran as an independent candidate with the backing of a People's Coalition rather than as a party nominee. He won the election with approximately 81 percent of the vote in the first round. The election was characterized by Tokayev's positioning as a reformist seeking to establish a new political trajectory for Kazakhstan.

Foreign Policy

Tokayev's foreign policy has continued Kazakhstan's established multi-vector approach, seeking to maintain balanced relations with Russia, China, the United States, the European Union, and other partners. His diplomatic background and language skills have been assets in managing these relationships. Kazakhstan under Tokayev has continued its role as a host of international negotiations and a participant in multilateral organizations including the United Nations, the SCO, and the CSTO, though the January 2022 CSTO intervention raised questions about the alliance's role and Kazakhstan's relationship with Russia.

Personal Life

Tokayev has one child. According to available public records, he was previously married but is reported to have been divorced by 2019. Details about his personal life beyond these facts are limited in publicly available sources.

Tokayev is multilingual, speaking Kazakh, Russian, English, French, and Chinese. His Chinese language proficiency, developed during his studies at the Beijing Language and Culture University, is particularly notable among Central Asian leaders and has been an asset in his diplomatic career.

In 2022, leaked financial records revealed that Tokayev's family had held offshore assets since at least 1998. The revelations drew attention amid broader international scrutiny of offshore holdings by political figures worldwide.

Recognition

Tokayev's career spanning Soviet-era diplomacy, senior Kazakh government positions, and a United Nations appointment has resulted in recognition from multiple governments and international organizations. His position as Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva from 2011 to 2013 represented one of the most prominent international postings achieved by a Kazakh national.

Following his assumption of the presidency in 2019, Tokayev received congratulations from numerous heads of state and government, reflecting Kazakhstan's diplomatic standing. His September 2019 State of the Nation Address was noted by analysts for its emphasis on governance reform and public participation, themes that marked a rhetorical distinction from the Nazarbayev era.

Tokayev is the author of several publications on diplomacy and international relations, reflecting his academic orientation alongside his political career.

Legacy

As the second president of Kazakhstan, Tokayev's legacy is still being shaped by ongoing developments. His presidency has been defined by two distinct phases: the initial period from 2019 to early 2022, during which he was perceived as governing within the political framework established by Nazarbayev, and the post-January 2022 period, during which he moved to establish greater independence from his predecessor's influence.

The January 2022 unrest and its aftermath represent the most consequential events of Tokayev's presidency to date. His decision to invite CSTO forces into the country, the subsequent security operations, and the political restructuring that followed have had lasting implications for Kazakhstan's domestic politics and its international relationships.

The constitutional reforms enacted in 2022, including the reduction of presidential terms and the formal removal of Nazarbayev's special constitutional status, represent structural changes to Kazakhstan's political system. Supporters of these reforms describe them as steps toward a more balanced distribution of power, while critics point to continued restrictions on opposition parties, press freedoms, and the right to protest as indicators that substantive political liberalization remains limited.

Tokayev's multi-vector foreign policy has maintained Kazakhstan's position as a state that engages with multiple major powers simultaneously, a strategy rooted in the country's geographic position between Russia and China and its significant energy resources. His personal diplomatic experience and multilingual abilities have contributed to sustaining this approach.

The long-term assessment of Tokayev's presidency will depend significantly on the implementation of his announced reforms, the trajectory of Kazakhstan's political development, and the country's ability to navigate an increasingly complex geopolitical environment in Central Asia.