What is known about Vice President Erlan Karin

Tengrinews.kz — Erlan Karin has officially become the Vice President of Kazakhstan. Learn more about his background in this report by Tengrinews.kz.
Erlan Karin's candidacy was President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev proposed his candidacy for the position, which was subsequently approved by the Kurultai deputies during a session on August 31. The appointment decree has already been published on the Akorda website.
Biography of Erlan Karin
Erlan Karin was born in 1976 in the village of Aksu, Turkestan Region. In 1996, he graduated from K. Zhubanov Aktobe University, followed by postgraduate studies at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University in 1999. He holds a PhD in Political Science.
He began his professional career in 1996 as a history and geography teacher at Secondary School No. 33 in Aktobe.
In 1998, he joined the Center for Political Research at the Kazakhstan Development Institute and served as Deputy Director of the Russia and China Institute.
In 2000, he was appointed Director of the Central Asian Agency for Political Research.
From 2002, he served as an freelance advisor to the Prime Minister of Kazakhstan.
In 2003, he became First Deputy Chairman of the Asar party and Director General of the International Institute for Modern Politics.
In 2004, he headed the Center for Anti-Terrorism Programs, and in 2006, he was appointed advisor to the Akim of Mangystau Region on political issues.
Starting in 2008, he worked in the Administration of the President of Kazakhstan, where he headed the Internal Policy Department. In November of that year, he became the Secretary for Strategic Development of the Nur Otan party.
From 2014 to 2017, Karin headed the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies under the President of Kazakhstan. Subsequently, in February 2017, he became Chairman of the Board of the "Kazakhstan" Republican Television and Radio Corporation.
From April 2019 to July 2020, he served as an advisor to the President of Kazakhstan, and from July 2020, as Assistant to the President.
In January 2022, Erlan Karin was appointed State Secretary of Kazakhstan. In June of the same year, he became State Counselor.
On June 30, 2026, by decree of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Karin was appointed First Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration.

Pseudo-historians and "info-racketeering": High-profile statements by Erlan Karin
Erlan Karin regularly provides commentary on issues of national importance.
For instance, in July, during the final meeting of the editorial board on the history of Kazakhstan, Karin criticized "pseudo-historians." In his view, they impose superficial views and unsubstantiated theories on society, attempting to create false historical myths through populism.

"History is, first and foremost, a science. Therefore, historical study must rely on the work of professional specialists rather than pseudo-historians who spread various false historical myths via social media. Professional historians, as representatives of the scientific intelligentsia, can provide society with an accurate, objective understanding of our history, thereby increasing overall historical literacy," Erlan Karin said at the time.

Additionally, he spoke out against "info-racketeering"—cases where bloggers or activists use their public platforms for pressure, blackmail, and extortion. Karin stated that such practices must not be encouraged.
"I have highlighted the phenomenon of 'info-racketeering,' where the activities of certain bloggers and activists turn into simple extortion. Such practices emerged in the past as a result of a 'policy of pandering' to destructive elements, which gave rise to various pseudo-public figures, bloggers, and 'tame oppositionists.' Now they are left without the protection of once-all-powerful patrons and generous clients, but by reflex and inertia, they still try to make money using old methods. Today, our country pursues a different policy and cultivates different values. We must not encourage 'info-racketeering' with any concessions, awards, or contracts," Erlan Karin stated.
Karin also issued a statement on the need to penalize trash-streamers. He asserted that the fight against obscene and unacceptable content is vital for shaping a culture of behavior in society. According to him, change should be achieved through concrete measures and law enforcement rather than slogans.
It is also noted that Erlan Karin took an active role in drafting the new Constitution of Kazakhstan and explaining the fundamental changes to the country's supreme law. Here are several of Karin's statements regarding the new Constitution, which came into effect on July 1, 2026:

"Ultimately, the new Constitution will provide equal protection and guarantees to everyone: both those who supported it and those who had doubts. If one of our citizens finds themselves in a difficult situation anywhere in the world, the state will not abandon them. The new Constitution clearly enshrines the principle that 'every citizen is the state’s primary value.'".
"March 15 is not just a referendum day; it is a Day of Renewal. If the citizens offer their support, we will enter a new era. People will no longer be illegally evicted from their homes, personal data will be protected, and the people will be recognized as the sole bearer of sovereignty. May the new Constitution mark the beginning of great innovations and noble deeds!"
"With the new Constitution, we are entering a new era. This is a Constitution that breathes with the spirit of a thousand-year history. It reflects the energy and aspirations of the younger generation. It is a Constitution in which the voice of the people resonates. The new Basic Law clearly bears the President's personal touch, his life principles, and his reformist style. It must be said plainly: the Head of State is dedicating all his experience, knowledge, and strength to serving the country and the future of its people."

Karin also regularly emphasizes the principle of "Law and Order." He stresses that punishment for breaking the law must be inevitable, and the law itself must be the same for everyone. In particular, he has opposed leniency for drug trafficking and has called for an end to the manipulation of public opinion on such matters.
Erlan Karin has also been awarded the orders of "Kurmet," "Dostyk" II degree, "Barys" II and I degrees, as well as the Order of "Otan." Additionally, he has received several state awards from Kazakhstan and the Order of "Friendship" from the Republic of Uzbekistan.
Karin is also involved in academic and journalistic work. He is the author of several books, including "Soldiers of the Caliphate: Myths and Reality," "Between ISIS and Al-Qaeda: Central Asian Militants in the Syrian War" (co-authored with Jacob Zenn), "Balbaltas: From Orkhon to the Caspian," and "Consolidated Catalog of Cartographic Materials on the History of Kazakhstan: 17th to Early 20th Centuries" (co-authored with Galina Ksenzhik).
As a reminder, the office of Vice President was established in the new Constitution adopted at the referendum on March 15, 2026. Earlier in January, speaking at the 5th meeting of the National Kurultai, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stated that the President would appoint the Vice President and define their scope of authority.