Difference between revisions of "Agashka (Kazakhstan)"

In Kazakhstan, an influential figure with strong personal connections enabling him to achieve objectives in informal ways. This term is formed from the word ‘aga’, the Russianised version of the Kazakh word ‘agha’, meaning an elder male relative such as an older brother or uncle, and the Russian diminutive suffix ‘-shka’. ''Agashka'' is in wide currency mostly among Russian-speaking Kazakhs in contemporary Kazakhstan, but not generally used in the Kazakh language. The term is typically associated with a wealthy Kazakh male of middle or old age. However, the most important characteristic of an ''agashka'' lies in his ability to use informal connections to circumvent official procedures and to provide favours for his closed circle of family, friends, and clients. Thus, the term ''agashka'' can be applied to any individual who functions as a patron by using personal contacts with those in official positions, irrespective of age or ethnic background. Its female version ''tateshka'' in most cases simply means an elder female relative or elder (middle- or old-aged) woman, but is also a woman with strong connections, or a spouse of an ''agashka''. ''Agashka's'' closest synonym is perhaps the word krysha (‘roof’ or ‘cover’) in Russian.

In Kazakhstan, an influential figure with strong personal connections enabling him to achieve objectives in informal ways. This term is formed from the word ‘aga’, the Russianised version of the Kazakh word ‘agha’, meaning an elder male relative such as an older brother or uncle, and the Russian diminutive suffix ‘-shka’. ''Agashka'' is in wide currency mostly among Russian-speaking Kazakhs in contemporary Kazakhstan, but not generally used in the Kazakh language. The term is typically associated with a wealthy Kazakh male of middle or old age. However, the most important characteristic of an ''agashka'' lies in his ability to use informal connections to circumvent official procedures and to provide favours for his closed circle of family, friends, and clients. Thus, the term ''agashka'' can be applied to any individual who functions as a patron by using personal contacts with those in official positions, irrespective of age or ethnic background. Its female version ''tateshka'' in most cases simply means an elder female relative or elder (middle- or old-aged) woman, but is also a woman with strong connections, or a spouse of an ''agashka''. ''Agashka's'' closest synonym is perhaps the word krysha (‘roof’ or ‘cover’) in Russian.

[[File:Agashka Cartoon Vladimir Kadyrbaev.JPG|300px|thumb|left|A typical image of agashka and his client. Artist: Vladimir Kadyrbaev]]

[[File:Agashka Cartoon Vladimir Kadyrbaev.JPG|300px|thumb|left|A typical image of agashka and his client. Artist: Vladimir Kadyrbaev]]

''Agashka'', in the usage we observe today, came into common use in the 1990s. While the term is not recorded in dictionaries of the Russian or Kazakh languages, analysts and journalists in Kazakhstan have made some attempts to describe the phenomenon of ''agashka'' (sometimes suffixes are added to specify reference to the general phenomenon: ''agashkizm'', ''agashizm'', or ''agashestvo''). While precise definitions of ''agashka'' somewhat vary among observers, there is agreement that it is an informal status. A typical ''agashka'' is a government official with a loyal following of subordinates (whom he helped to get employed), enjoying the use of a high-class official car for private purposes. However, the source of an ''agashka's'' influence is not based on his office ''per se'' but rather ''his personal relationships with those in power'', from high-ranking officials in the central government to heads of local administration. Although most ''agashki'' hold or have held an official position in the state or an organisation connected to it, their ability to exert influence does not necessarily correspond to the level or sphere of the official post.

''Agashka'', in the usage we observe today, came into common use in the 1990s. While the term is not recorded in dictionaries of the Russian or Kazakh languages, analysts and journalists in Kazakhstan have made some attempts to describe the phenomenon of ''agashka'' (sometimes suffixes are added to specify reference to the general phenomenon: ''agashkizm'', ''agashizm'', or ''agashestvo''). While precise definitions of ''agashka'' somewhat vary among observers, there is agreement that it is an informal status. A typical ''agashka'' is a government official with a loyal following of subordinates (whom he helped to get employed), enjoying the use of a high-class official car for private purposes. However, the source of an ''agashka's'' influence is not based on his office ''per se'' but rather ''his personal relationships with those in power'', from high-ranking officials in the central government to heads of local administration. Although most ''agashki'' hold or have held an official position in the state or an organisation connected to it, their ability to exert influence does not necessarily correspond to the level or sphere of the official post.

The term is a pejorative word and reflects the widespread view of the prevalence of nepotism and clientelism, as well as a critical or self-mocking attitude toward the Kazakhs themselves. A popular saying, ‘''Bez agashki ty kakashka, a s agashkoi ty chelovek''’ (‘You are shit without ''agashka'', and you are a person with ''agashka''’) suggests that ordinary citizens in Kazakhstan believe that people must have good connections to live a normal life. The same is suggested by a variant of the phrase, which replaces ''kakashka'' with ''bukashka'' (a small insect). Indeed, from getting a job and promotion in the government sector or national companies, obtaining or renting housing constructed under state programmes, receiving state-funded medical treatment, to securing credit from the local government or a bank loan, the power of connections and patronage dominates in many key areas of life<ref>McMann, Kelly M. 2014. Corruption as a Last Resort: Adapting to the Market in Central Asia. Ithaca and London: Cornell University Press.</ref><ref>McMann, Kelly M. 2014. Corruption as a Last Resort: Adapting to the Market in Central Asia. Ithaca and London: Cornell University Press.</ref>. Despite state procedures officially being fair and equitable, in reality decisions are often made informally when state resources are distributed. Success in business largely depends on whether one has a solid and influential patron in official positions or connected to officials. ''Agashka'' is key to winning a tender for public works projects or state purchases. In addition, maintaining good relations with law-enforcement institutions with the authority to control business (police, customs, prosecutors etc.) is critically important.

The term is a pejorative word and reflects the widespread view of the prevalence of nepotism and clientelism, as well as a critical or self-mocking attitude toward the Kazakhs themselves. A popular saying, ‘''Bez agashki ty kakashka, a s agashkoi ty chelovek''’ (‘You are shit without ''agashka'', and you are a person with ''agashka''’) suggests that ordinary citizens in Kazakhstan believe that people must have good connections to live a normal life. The same is suggested by a variant of the phrase, which replaces ''kakashka'' with ''bukashka'' (a small insect). Indeed, from getting a job and promotion in the government sector or national companies, obtaining or renting housing constructed under state programmes, receiving state-funded medical treatment, to securing credit from the local government or a bank loan, the power of connections and patronage dominates in many key areas of life<ref>McMann, Kelly M. 2014. Corruption as a Last Resort: Adapting to the Market in Central Asia. Ithaca and London: Cornell University Press.</ref><ref>McMann, Kelly M. 2014. Corruption as a Last Resort: Adapting to the Market in Central Asia. Ithaca and London: Cornell University Press.</ref>. Despite state procedures officially being fair and equitable, in reality decisions are often made informally when state resources are distributed. Success in business largely depends on whether one has a solid and influential patron in official positions or connected to officials. ''Agashka'' is key to winning a tender for public works projects or state purchases. In addition, maintaining good relations with law-enforcement institutions with the authority to control business (police, customs, prosecutors etc.) is critically important.