Alexander Cooley, professor of political science at Barnard College and former Harriman Institute Director (2016 – 2021) was quoted in a New York Times article about recent anti-government demonstrations in Kazakhstan. Analyzing the Kazakh relationship with Russia, the article states that “Russia is unlikely to demand immediate concessions from President Tokayev but has gained strong leverage, upsetting Kazakhstan’s previous efforts to avoid tilting too far toward either Moscow or Washington.” Cooley said “Kazakhstan always tried to maintain a balancing act. This [turning to Russia for help] is all about regime survival. State security needs have been reconfigured to fit the needs of those in power.”