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Alison Carless, a Laidlaw Scholar at Cambridge University, on Nation-Building and Identity in Kazakhstan.
Research Title:
Nation-building and identity in Kazakhstan: conflicts and challenges.
My research explored the process of nation-building and identity formation in post-Soviet Kazakhstan, focusing on the Kazakh government's efforts to construct a cohesive national identity amidst a complex socio-cultural landscape. My paper examines how various factors, including language policies, media influence, and ethnic diversity, shape perceptions of national identity among the Kazakh population.
Through qualitative interviews with Kazakh nationals, the research highlights the significance of modern communication channels like social media in shaping national identity, as traditional media outlets face growing distrust. It also underscores the challenges posed by Kazakhstan's ethnic diversity and regional disparities, revealing tensions between ethnic and national identities. The promotion of the Kazakh language emerges as a key governmental strategy, yet my research finds that its effectiveness is hindered by linguistic diversity and varying levels of acceptance across different regions.
The potential real-world impact lies in its insights into the complexities of nation-building in Kazakhstan, offering valuable perspectives for policymakers. By understanding the views of the Kazakh population, the study suggests strategies for enhancing national unity, such as leveraging social media, respecting linguistic diversity, and addressing regional disparities. These findings could contribute to more effective nation-building policies in Kazakhstan, fostering social cohesion and stability in a strategically important region of Central Asia. Additionally, my exploration offers a foundation for comparative studies on nation-building across post-Soviet states, potentially informing broader regional and international policy discussions.
Where did your passion for this research originate?
My passion for this research began during my visit to Kazakhstan for the World Expo in 2017. Immersing myself in the vibrant culture, rich history, and the warmth hospitality of the Kazakh people, I was struck by the unique dynamics of a nation navigating its post-Soviet identity. As I explored the Expo and engaged with locals, I became fascinated by Kazakhstan’s journey of nation-building, particularly in the context of its diverse population and strategic geopolitical position.
Beyond the Expo, I delved deeper into Kazakh society, regularly following the news and studying the country’s politics. I found the interplay between tradition and modernity, as well as the challenges of fostering a cohesive national identity in a multi-ethnic state, to be profoundly intriguing. This growing interest inspired me to pursue this research, aiming to understand how Kazakhstan is shaping its national identity in the post-Soviet era. Hence, a blend of personal experiences and academic curiosity drives my commitment to exploring Kazakhstan’s nation-building efforts.
What is the most memorable moment from your Laidlaw scholarship experience so far?
The most memorable moment from my Laidlaw scholarship experience so far was the volunteer integration event I organised for Casa Ronald. My partner Callysta and I prepared everything for the event from crafting a detailed rundown, decorating the venue with balloons and message boards, and managing logistics down to buying the smallest materials. During the event, we organised team-building games to foster a sense of belonging among the volunteers and as we shared pizza, the room filled with laughter and conversation. When the karaoke session began, I was moved by the sight of volunteers, once shy and reserved, belting out their favorite songs with pure joy. Their smiles were infectious and the laughter was a powerful reminder of why we do what we do. The testimonials where volunteers shared their personal journeys reaffirmed the mission of Casa Ronald in providing a home for children undergoing medical treatments in Lima. It was in these moments—surrounded by music, laughter, and camaraderie—that I truly felt the impact of our work and the bonds we had formed.
What is the biggest challenge you came across in your research and leadership journeys so far, and what did you learn from it?
One of the biggest challenges I faced during my research on nation-building in Kazakhstan was the inability to visit the country due to time constraints. Initially, I had planned to conduct fieldwork in Kazakhstan, immersing myself in the local context to gather first-hand data. However, as the project progressed, it became clear that logistical and time limitations would make this impossible.
This forced me to pivot my methodology, which initially felt like a setback. Instead of fieldwork, I decided to conduct in-depth interviews with Kazakhstani nationals living abroad. This shift required rethinking my approach, adapting my research questions, and finding reliable participants who could offer valuable insights despite being outside Kazakhstan.
This experience taught me the importance of flexibility and adaptability in research. It highlighted the value of creative problem-solving and the ability to turn challenges into opportunities for deepening research scope.
What does it mean for you to be a Laidlaw Scholar?
Being a Laidlaw Scholar means embodying the values of leadership, resilience and a commitment to making a global impact. My time in Peru, working on community development projects, and my research on nation-building in Kazakhstan have allowed me to live these attributes. In Peru, I honed my leadership skills by navigating complex cultural dynamics and working collaboratively with local communities. My research in Kazakhstan required resilience and adaptability, especially when I had to change my methodology due to unforeseen constraints. The program has empowered me to tackle global challenges with empathy, engaging in ethical leadership.
Which particular leaders inspire you the most and why?
The founder of Girls Who Code, Reshma Saujani, has been an inspiration to me because of her determination to close the gender gap in technology. Through her organisation, she has empowered young girls to pursue careers in technology by teaching them coding and providing mentorship. Saujani’s leadership is inspiring because it addresses systemic inequality and opens doors for the next generation of female leaders in a male-dominated industry.
In one of her Ted talks, she says that “Most girls are taught to avoid risk and failure. They’re taught to smile pretty, play it safe, get all A’s. Boys, on the other hand, are taught to play rough, swing high, crawl to the top of the monkey bars, and then just jump off headfirst.” This line really touched me and made me realise that constantly pursuing perfection was not the way to move forwards and instead we should be experiment and learn from our mistakes.
Briefly describe a scene from the future you are striving to create.
I envision a future where empowered communities shape their own destinies, grounded in mutual respect and cultural understanding. As a Laidlaw Scholar, I strive to create a world where leadership is defined by empathy, and global connections transcend borders. In Kazakhstan, for example, a new generation of leaders is successfully blending traditional values with innovative strategies for nation-building, informed by research and dialogues that span continents. This future is one where knowledge flows freely across borders, and leaders work not in isolation but in global networks that prioritise shared progress.
Reflecting on this year’s Laidlaw Conference, “Curiosity", how does Curiosity shape your research, your work, or your approach to leadership?
Reflecting on my Leadership in Action in Peru, facilitated by Makesense Americas, I am reminded of how curiosity can drive impactful change. This experience provided me the opportunity to lead a team of volunteers at Ronald McDonald House Charities Peru, where we aimed to enhance the sense of belonging within the organisation. My curiosity about how to improve the volunteer experience led me to explore various approaches. Through engaging directly with volunteers and listening to their feedback with empathy, we implemented initiatives like a volunteer appreciation event and a "challenges" system to boost motivation. My curiosity didn’t stop at immediate solutions; I also focused on sustainability, creating a comprehensive manual to ensure that these efforts would have a lasting impact.
This project taught me the importance of continuously questioning and exploring new ways to support communities. My curiosity drove me to go beyond assumptions and truly understand the needs and aspirations of the volunteers. Curiosity is more than just seeking answers; it’s about challenging the status quo and gaining a more well-rounded understanding so that real impact can be made.
Quick-fire Questions
📺 Currently binging:
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📚 My top book recommendation:
How Democracy Ends by David Runciman
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🎶 My anthem:
Titanium by Sia
🎙️Podcast obsession:
The Rest is History with Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook
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Something that made me feel joy recently 🌈:
Seeing alpacas in Peru!
Feel free to connect with Alison on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/alison-carless-2a464627b
If you want to learn more about Alison's work, explore Alison's research here and follow her on LinkedIn. Alison is a Laidlaw Undergraduate Leadership and Research Scholar at @University of Cambridge. Become a Laidlaw Scholar to conduct a research project of your choice, develop your leadership skills, and join a global community of changemakers from world-leading universities.
Find out more about the Laidlaw Scholars Undergraduate Leadership and Research Programme.
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