Civic Engagement Index of Kazakhstan: Critical Review on Methodology, Measurement, and Empirical Results

Abstract

The post-Soviet region is experiencing sustained political transformation, reflected in power transitions within several Central Asian states, the escalation of the Russia-Ukraine military conflict, the growing relevance of the Afghan factor, and other regional challenges. These developments contribute to a volatile and rapidly evolving political environment. Competition among collective identities and alternative future-oriented narratives shapes this transformation and significantly influences the developmental trajectories of post-Soviet states. Under these conditions, civil society plays an increasingly important role. In particular, citizens’ participation in decision-making and the level of national social capital are key determinants of states’ capacity to formulate, pursue, and safeguard their strategic interests. The study aims to assess the level of civic engagement in Kazakhstan in the context of ongoing socio-political transformation. Drawing on official statistical indicators and sociological survey data, the paper develops the Civic Engagement Index of Kazakhstan, an integrated measurement tool designed to capture both the structural characteristics and temporal dynamics of public participation in core decision-making processes. The empirical results demonstrate the robustness and analytical utility of the proposed index as an instrument for systematic monitoring of civic engagement and for evaluating the effectiveness of institutional and governance reforms.