Some Kazakhstanis feel excited about Trump — here’s why, expert says

Dmitry Dubovitsky, a popular Kazakhstani blogger and owner of the «Chto po dengam?» (What about the money?) podcast, recently explored why some Kazakhstanis like current U.S. President Donald Trump, whether he might run for a third term and what the potential consequences of that move could be.

Together with his guest economist Eldar Shamsutdinov, he broke down Trump’s domestic and international policy and the kind of impact it could have on Kazakhstan. The podcasters suggested that the U.S. president has earned respect among some Kazakhstanis, especially those born and raised in the Soviet Union, who often believe that charismatic and hard-handed leaders are better suited to rule than calm, technocratic administrators.

Shamsutdinov stated that those who experienced the Soviet Union’s collapse need someone who provides easy answers to complicated questions — a proper man who speaks with confidence and can tell anyone off. He added that for some Kazakhstanis, it was important to see a strongman who could make others look small.

The economist explained that U.S. policy has a significant influence on Kazakhstan, as oil and stock prices are under American control. Stocks are currently rising while oil prices are falling.

On top of that, Shamsutdinov is confident that regardless of the impact Trump’s presidency may have on the U.S. and the world, he would run for a third term anyway.

The expert elaborated that unrest in California is taking place in the lead-up to the primaries, and if Trump succeeds there, it could signal that the same approach might work in other states as well. The economist believes that Trump is moving toward a model of family-based corporate governance.