In a landmark speech in July 2019, Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev spoke of his vision of what he called a “listening state.” To inspire trust in the people, the authorities need to respond promptly to “criticism and constructive suggestions from citizens,” he told a gathering of parliament. For many in the activist community, this was a promise that was never kept. And there are those that worry that geopolitical turmoil in Kazakhstan’s wider neighborhood has helped Tokayev avoid scrutiny from the international community and eschew the urge to pursue genuine and committed liberal…