Nursultan Nazarbayev: Political Career Overview

Nur-Sultan Nazarbayev was born on July 6, 1940 in the village of Cheliuskin, in Qaraghandy region, Kazakh SSR, Soviet Union. His father worked in local coal mines while his mother stayed at home with their five children. As a child growing up during World War II, Nazarbayev saw the impact the war had on the population and how it fueled national sentiments. This would later influence his political beliefs and leadership approach.

In 1957, after finishing school, he volunteered to work in coal mines, where he rose from an ordinary miner to become a foreman within six months. In 1964, he began working at the Ministry of Power and Electrification. He used his knowledge of decision-making processes, tactics, and networking skills to maneuver into positions that would allow him to gain more experience and expertise.

After studying at Moscow's Kutuzov Military Academy between 1968 and 1970, he returned to work back in Alma-Ata. He continued to rise through the ranks, eventually becoming a secretary of the Communist Party committee at the Kazakh State University. After graduating from the academy, he joined the Central Committee Secretariat of the Communist party of Kazakhstan.

In 1984, Nazarbayev became First Secretary of the Communist party of Kazakhstan. During this time, he focused on attracting foreign investment and stimulating economic growth. When Mikhail Gorbachev introduced perestroika policies, Nazarbayev responded by creating a National Front aimed at uniting moderate opposition forces.

On December 1, 1991, the Supreme Council declared independence from the Soviet Union. The declaration of independence made Nazarbayev the President of Kazakhstan. In 1993, he changed party affiliations, terminated the state's communist monopoly, initiated economic reforms, and prepared the country for membership in the Commonwealth of Independent States.

Despite allegations of electoral fraud, government repression, and a lack of press freedom, the international community generally recognized the legitimacy of Nazarbayev's rule. Between 1993 and 2001, he implemented significant changes aimed at transforming Kazakhstan's economy by diversifying its industrial base away from heavy industry towards services and consumer goods.

His presidency has faced criticism over human rights abuses, corruption, and authoritarianism. However, his leadership also brought stability to the nation, maintained peace among ethnic groups, and transformed the economy - thus earning him respect globally.

Test your knowledge about Nursultan Nazarbayev's political journey from a coal miner to the President of Kazakhstan. Learn about his leadership style, economic reforms, and controversial aspects of his presidency.