The China-Russia partnership is a highly consequential geopolitical alignment driven by a shared goal of countering U.S. hegemony and reshaping the international order into a multipolar system. While not a formal alliance, this relationship is strengthened by Russia's increasing economic reliance on China following Western sanctions, which allows Beijing to leverage its influence. Policymakers should note that while the partnership projects deep solidarity (as seen in high-level summits), it remains complex and limited by mutual mistrust and competing strategic interests. This enduring alignment poses a significant challenge to U.S. interests and requires continued diplomatic vigilance.
Kazakhstan is rewriting its constitution. Is it an exercise in authoritarian modernisation?
English Summary
Kazakhstan is implementing sweeping constitutional amendments, including introducing a vice presidency and dissolving the upper house of parliament, which the government presents as modernization. However, critics argue these changes consolidate executive power and weaken existing checks and balances. The reforms raise critical questions about Kazakhstan's political trajectory, implications for presidential succession before the 2029 elections, the fate of Nazarbayev-era elites, and the country's relationship with Russia.
中文摘要
哈薩克正實施全面的憲法修正案，包括設立副總統職位和解散議會上院，政府將其宣傳為現代化進程。然而，批評者認為這些變革鞏固了行政權力，削弱了現有的制衡機制。這些改革引發了關於哈薩克政治走向、2029年選舉前總統繼任的影響、納扎爾巴耶夫時代精英的命運以及該國與俄羅斯關係的關鍵問題。
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