In The Media
Martha Brill Olcott
Book
Kazakhstan: Unfulfilled Promise? (Revised Edition)
Olcott draws on her vast knowledge of Kazakhstan to provide an important contribution to understanding the current status of this country, as well as the perils of state building and the dangers these pose for regional and global security.
Published on Jun 1, 2010
Source: Revised Edition
In this revised edition Kazakhstan: Unfulfilled Promise? Martha Brill Olcott, an internationally respected expert on Central Asia, details the first decades of Kazakhstan’s existence in the context of its political and historical legacy, its geography, and its economic and social development. In a new chapter, Olcott reevaluates whether Kazakhstan is closer to realizing its economic and political potential and charting the expansion of its international role. Olcott draws on her vast knowledge of Kazakhstan to provide an important contribution to understanding the current status of this country, as well as more broadly, the perils of state building and the dangers these pose for
regional and global security.
Advance Praise
“Kazakhstan: Unfulfilled Promise reaffirms Olcott as the pre-eminent American scholar of Kazakhstan.”
— Eric Sievers, Harvard University
“Olcott’s expert knowledge combined with her accessible writing style has produced a book that not only is essential for those experts working on this country but should also prove popular with many who have a general interest in the area.”
—John Glenn, University of Southampton, UK
“Kazakhstan: Unfulfilled Promise is a bible for understanding the country.”
— William Courtney, former U.S. ambassador to Kazakhstan and Georgia
About the Author
Martha Brill Olcott
Former Senior Associate, Russia and Eurasia Program and, Co-director, al-Farabi Carnegie Program on Central Asia
Olcott is professor emerita at Colgate University, having taught political science there from 1974 to 2002. Prior to her work at the endowment, Olcott served as a special consultant to former secretary of state Lawrence Eagleburger.
- After Crimea: Will Kazakhstan be Next in Putin’s Reintegration Project?
- China’s Unmatched Influence in Central AsiaArticle
Martha Brill Olcott
Recent Work
Carnegie does not take institutional positions on public policy issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Carnegie, its staff, or its trustees.
More Work from Carnegie Europe
- Making European Defense an ImperativeCommentary
Europeans still lack a common vision for how to ensure the continent’s security. Regardless of who becomes the next U.S. president, a stronger European pillar in NATO is essential.
Judy Dempsey
- Judy Asks: Will Macron’s Vision for European Defense Gain Traction?Commentary
Amid Russia’s aggression and uncertainty around U.S. leadership, Macron is right to call for Europe’s self-reliance in defense. To achieve it, France needs to lead by example and get all allies on board.
Judy Dempsey
- The U.S. Aid Package to Ukraine Is a Short-Term FixCommentary
The release of U.S. aid to Ukraine is one of many steps necessary to contain Russian aggression. Western leaders must remind publics what is at stake and think ahead to avoid delays at every turn.
Gwendolyn Sasse
- The War in Ukraine Will Either Forge or Splinter EuropeCommentary
Political shifts in Europe and the United States risk deepening divisions within the EU. Leaders should make clear that investing in Ukraine’s defense is essential for securing Europe’s shared future.
Giovanni Grevi
- Judy Asks: Should NATO Coordinate Military Support for Ukraine?Commentary
NATO has the tools and expertise to play a bigger role in providing Ukraine with military aid. But reaching a consensus among allies, some of whom fear further escalation, will be a challenge.
Judy Dempsey
