PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE STATE AND NGOS AND ETHNO-CULTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF KAZAKHSTAN: AN EXPERT ASSESSMENT

Abstract

This article presents the results of an expert survey of representatives of non-governmental organizations and ethno-cultural associations in Kazakhstan (n=80), conducted in November–December 2025. State policy declares a transition to a partnership-based, equal model of interaction with civil society. The study aims to determine the extent to which the current state of interaction corresponds to this model, according to expert assessments, and which barriers constrain its realization. On a direct rating scale ranging from "weak interaction" to a "partnership-based, equal model," the current state was rated by experts at 6.85 out of 10 points. The main barrier is a lack of resources among civil society organizations, followed by low civic activity among the population and bureaucratic procedures. Assessments of interaction and the composition of barriers differ between ethno-cultural associations and other NGOs. A comparison with 2023 survey data shows a shift in the composition of barriers: from predominantly institutional (bureaucracy) toward resource-related and social ones.