The Difficult Path to a Civil Nation: the Experience of Nation-Building in Modern Kazakhstan
https://doi.org/10.24975/2313-8920-2021-8-1-136-151
Abstract
Kazakhstan, like most of the multi-ethnic post-Soviet states, in the course of state building, faced the problem of rallying the peoples living in the Republic. Two interrelated projects were being implemented on the political agenda of Kazakhstan: the construction of state institutions and the formation of a civil nation. In a multi-ethnic state, the project of a civil nation is difficult due to the attempts of the titular ethnic group to obtain additional advantages, which causes tension in interethnic relations. The identification of the population, often, occurs by ethnicity, therefore, the policy of civic identity in Kazakhstan is opposed to the “Kazakhization” of language, culture, and social practices. Nevertheless, the process of unification of the nation is successfully developing in the Republic, initiated by the political elite of Kazakhstan. Achievement of national unity was declared a strategic priority in the development of the country. The article analyzes the factors affecting collective identity in the Republic of Kazakhstan: demographic diversity, language policy, state symbols. The article concludes that Kazakhstan is building its statehood based on the domination of the Kazakh ethnic elite, while pursuing a policy of uniting different ethnic groups into a single Kazakh nation.
About the Authors
N. A. Baranov
North-West Institute of Management, RANEPA;
Saint Petersburg State University
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Nikolay A. Baranov, Doctor of Political Science
bld. 57/43, Sredny prospect V.O., St. Petersburg, 199178,
7th entrance, bld. 1/3, st. Smolny, 191124, St. Petersburg
Sevgi Kok
Saint Petersburg State University
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Sevgi Kok
7th entrance, bld. 1/3, st. Smolny, 191124, St. Petersburg
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Review
For citations:
Baranov N.A., Kok S. The Difficult Path to a Civil Nation: the Experience of Nation-Building in Modern Kazakhstan. Post-Soviet Issues. 2021;8(1):136-151. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.24975/2313-8920-2021-8-1-136-151
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