Under the leadership of Dr. Bang, a dedicated research team was assembled in January 2026 to develop a comprehensive set of policy recommendations for the President of Kazakhstan. The team brought together leading experts from the College of Social Sciences, including Dr. Nygmet Ibadildin, Dr. Anar Shaikenova, and Dr. Xiaotong Zhang, alongside a group of highly capable student research assistants. These included Tomiris Anuarova (Bachelor’s in International Relations), Yasmin Umarova (Bachelor of Arts in Translation Studies), and Alima Zeinulla (Bachelor of Arts in Economics), whose outstanding contributions were recognized through research awards.

 

The research process combined rigorous policy analysis with scenario-based planning. On March 12, 2026, a dedicated event was organized in which students tested multiple scenarios related to the potential end of the war in Ukraine and its implications for Kazakhstan’s economic stability, security environment, and foreign policy positioning. This exercise informed a broader assessment of structural risks and strategic opportunities.

 

The policy recommendations were finalized and submitted to President Tokayev in April 2026. They were designed to support sustained economic development through diversification and innovation, strengthen political institutions and governance, modernize military capabilities in response to evolving threats, and advance education as a cornerstone of long-term national competitiveness and resilience.