Internet Shut Down, Bitcoin Mining Offline as Kazakhstan’s Political Crisis Escalates

A brief overview of the protests that have rocked the Central Asian company over the last week.

January 7, 2022

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Alex Thorn

Head of Firmwide Research

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Hear Alex Thorn share his take on "Bitcoin and Inflation: It’s Complicated” at Consensus 2023.

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Alex Thorn

Head of Firmwide Research

Galaxy

Hear Alex Thorn share his take on "Bitcoin and Inflation: It’s Complicated” at Consensus 2023.

Secure Your Seat

Host

Nathaniel Whittemore

This episode is sponsored by Nexo, Abra and FTX US.

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On today’s episode of “The Breakdown,” NLW provides a basic primer on the escalating political crisis in Kazakhstan. He covers:

The country’s basic economic overview and modern political history.
The fuel price increase that started protests on Sunday.
How protests spread throughout the week and became about a larger set of grievances.
The country’s dramatic decision to shut down the internet.
The implications for bitcoin mining.
Where things stand today.

Kazakh Bitcoin Mining Seen Hurt Following Energy Riots, Internet Shutdown

“The Breakdown ‘’ is written, produced by and features Nathaniel Whittemore aka NLW, with editing by Rob Mitchell and Michele Musso, research by Scott Hill and additional production support by Eleanor Pahl. Adam B. Levine is our executive producer and our theme music is “Countdown” by Neon Beach. The music you heard today behind our sponsor is “Time” by OBOY. Image credit: Mikhail Svetlov/Getty Images Europe, modified by CoinDesk. Join the discussion at discord.gg/VrKRrfKCz8.