Civil Identity of Young Kazakhstanis in the Context of the Russian-Ukrainian Conflict

Elnura  Assyltayeva; Bulent Tarman; Sharip  Ishmukhamedov; Altynai  Mukhambedyarova; Zhengisbek  Tolen; Saule  Yussupova

doi:10.29333/ejecs/2052

Authors

Elnura Assyltayeva Department of “International relations and regional studies” of Turan University, https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8826-7751
Bulent Tarman Turan University, Almaty, Kazakhstan https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1615-9943
Sharip Ishmukhamedov Department of “International relations and regional studies” of Turan University https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8357-6675
Altynai Mukhambedyarova Department of Regional Studies and International Relations at Turan University https://orcid.org/0009-0009-4360-9362
Zhengisbek Tolen Department of “International relations and regional studies” of Turan University. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1020-0586
Saule Yussupova https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6100-8194

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29333/ejecs/2052

Keywords:

civic identity, national identity, nation-building, self-identification

Abstract

The aim of this study is to conduct a sociological survey to assess the state of civic identity among Kazakhstani youth within the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. It aims to explore the correlation between young citizens' ethnic backgrounds and their acceptance of citizenship. Data was collected through a questionnaire developed by researchers to examine the multifaceted dynamics involved. A total of 754 citizens between 14 and 35 took part in the survey. The findings indicate that, in the present circumstances, the sense of belonging to the state among young Kazakhstanis is primarily contextual, prevailing over other identity constructs when queried about their attitude towards citizenship. However, when measuring the level of identification—how frequently individuals perceive themselves as citizens—ethnic identity takes precedence over civic identity. The survey underscores that ethnic origin stands out as the foremost determinant of social belonging for young people in Kazakhstan in the current scenario. Moreover, this study emphasizes the significant role played by information sources in shaping civic identity. We have elucidated the intricate relationship among ethnic identity, citizenship perception, and contextual factors among Kazakhstani adolescents amidst ongoing geopolitical events using our analytical approach.

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Author Biographies

Elnura Assyltayeva, Department of “International relations and regional studies” of Turan University,

Assoc. Prof. Elnura Assyltayeva is PhD in political science. She has been working at the university as associated professor in Department of “International relations and regional studies” of Turan University since 2022. Scientific interests: nation building, civil identity, political processes, ethnic identity.

Bulent Tarman, Turan University, Almaty, Kazakhstan

Prof. Dr. Bulent Tarman has been working as a research faculty at Turan University. He holds a Ph.D. in Curriculum & Instruction (social studies education), as well as a minor in Comparative and International Education, from the Pennsylvania State University. Dr. Tarman has numerous publications and presentations to his credit.

Sharip Ishmukhamedov, Department of “International relations and regional studies” of Turan University

Assoc. Prof. Sharip Ishmukhamedov is Associated professor in Department of “International relations and regional studies” of Turan University, candidate of political sciences. Scientific interests: civil identification, social, political processes in society, foreign policy of Kazakhstan.

Altynai Mukhambedyarova, Department of Regional Studies and International Relations at Turan University

Prof. Altynay Mukhambedyarova is a Professor of the Department of Regional Studies and International Relations at Turan University. Has been working at Turan University since 2023. She is doctor of political sciences. Scientific interest: political, national security, social structure of society, extremism, terrorism.

Zhengisbek Tolen, Department of “International relations and regional studies” of Turan University.

Assoc. Prof. Zhengisbek Tolen is the Head of the Department of “International relations and regional studies” of Turan University. PhD in Political Sciences, Scientific interests: political culture, civic culture, civil identity, political processes in Kazakhstan, ethnic identity.

Saule Yussupova

Saule Yussupova holds a PhD in Philosophy and Related fields Teaching (sociology), from the Gazi University. She has been working at Turan University since 2021. Research interests: gender studies, global citizenship, education, feminism.

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