Overview

Kazakhstan is a historically, culturally, and resource-rich country in Central Asia; the largest of the five former Soviet Republics in Central Asia. Now independent, it finds itself between two giant neighbors: Russia and China.

Our guest, Ambassador John Ordway, served as U.S. Ambassador to Kazakhstan from 2004 to 2008. He was also Chargé d`Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Astana, Kazakhstan for two extended periods: January-September 2011 and October 2013–December 2014. In his illustrated presentation, Ambassador Ordway discusses how Kazakhstan’s geographic fate, and its multi-ethnic character, dictate a careful and balanced approach to ensuring its independence and prosperity in a modern world.

Ambassador Ordway has an extensive background in the Soviet and post-Soviet world, with in-depth experience in a broad range of issues ranging from arms control and nonproliferation, to investment disputes and energy, as well as domestic politics and human rights. A career Foreign Service Officer, in addition to his assignments in Kazakhstan, he also served as U.S. Ambassador to Armenia, Deputy Chief of Mission in the U.S. Embassy in Moscow, in the U.S. embassies in Prague, Sofia, Vienna, and Kathmandu, and the U.S. Mission to NATO. Ambassador Ordway graduated from Stanford University and the University of California’s Hastings College of Law. He resides in Sacramento, California.