For the last week, massive protests have swept across the large Central Asian country of Kazakhstan. The spark was a decision by the government to increase fuel prices in the country, which is a major fuel producer. But as my guests today explain, though the fuel price hike was the proximate cause of the protests, they are rooted in deep and widespread disaffection with Kazakhstan's ruling class.

Three Kazakstan political and security experts contribute to this episode:

Dr. Erica Marat, a professor at the National Defense University in Washington, DC.

Dr. Diana T. Kudaibergenova, a professor at the University of Cambridge

Dr. Jen Brick Murtazashvili a professor at the University of Pittsburgh