EVOLUTION OF POLITICAL CULTURE IN THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN

This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the evolution of political culture in the Republic of Kazakhstan and contemporary processes of its transformation. It compares models of authoritarian and democratic political cultures, scientifically substantiating the mixed nature of Kazakhstani political culture. Additionally, it investigates the interrelation between globalization, mass culture, and national identity. The study examines the level of electoral political activity in modern Kazakhstan, the role of civil society institutions, and attitudes towards political reforms by the President. The aim of this research is to describe current aspects of the development of societal political culture in the Republic of Kazakhstan. It concludes that the development of political culture in CIS countries, including the Republic of Kazakhstan, faces several challenges. One key issue is the legacy of Soviet past which has shaped paternalistic expectations among citizens and low levels of their political engagement. This manifests itself through passive voter participation in elections, insufficient awareness about political processes, and weak development of democratic institutions. In Kazakhstan, as well as other CIS states, there is still slow formation of civil society where citizens do not always actively participate in decision-making. Despite recent reforms, public trust in state authorities remains relatively low. All these factors hinder the formation of mature political culture that would promote effective functioning of democracy and protection of rights and freedoms of citizens. Keywords: political culture, authoritarianism, democracy, pluralism, electorate, globalization, legal culture, reforms.