Geopolitical Monitor: "Language Geopolitics: New Constitution Looks to Elevate Kazakh Vis-à-vis Russian"

 

"Language Geopolitics: New Constitution Looks to Elevate Kazakh Vis-à-vis Russian"

Wilder Alejandro Sanchez

Opinion

Geopolitical Monitor

27 February, 2026

Published: https://www.geopoliticalmonitor.com/language-geopolitics-new-constitution-looks-to-elevate-kazakh-vis-a-vis-russian/

 On March 15, the citizens of Kazakhstan will vote in a referendum for a new Constitution. The new document pays significant attention to sovereignty, an important concept across Eurasia (and in Europe too). Moreover, the Constitution will establish the Kazakh language as the country’s dominant language. This is not just a symbolic decision; it will affect the future education of Kazakhstanis, their national identity, and is already affecting relations with the country’s large northern neighbor.