Newly Assertive Central Asia Rejects 'Russia's Backyard' Label

Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev hosts Russia's President Vladimir Putin on Nov. 9, 2023, in Astana. Kazakhstan and the other Central Asia countries are working to dispel an image as "Russia's backyard." (Photo courtesy of the Kazakhstan President's Office) French President Emmanuel Macron visits Uzbekistan, talking with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on Nov. 2, 2023. (Photo courtesy of the Uzbekistan President's Office) The heads of state gather at the Economic Cooperation Organization's member meeting in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on Nov. 9, 2023. (Photo courtesy of the Uzbekistan President's Office)

Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev bewildered Vladimir Putin and his entourage when, during a November 9 briefing in the Kazakh capital, he addressed the visiting Russian president in his native tongue.