Modern global challenges are accompanied by various types of crises that affect the state policy of States. Crises are an integral part of the development of society and the state. They can vary in nature and have a significant impact on public policy, forcing Governments to adapt, reform governance systems, and develop new response strategies. In this context, we will consider the main types of crises and their impact on public policy.
Main types of crises.
Economic crises. Economic crises manifest themselves in the form of a sharp drop in production, unemployment, inflation, a crisis in financial institutions and exchange rate fluctuations. They can be caused by external factors (global financial crises) or internal problems (poor governance, corruption, budget imbalance).
Influence on public policy. Introduction of anti-crisis measures, such as fiscal incentives, tax incentives, and public investment. Monetary policy tightening or easing. Implementation of structural reforms in the economy and social sphere.
Political crises. Political crises are associated with instability of power, internal conflicts, protests, a crisis of legitimacy or regime change. They may arise from corruption, violations of democratic norms, electoral crises, or external interference.
Influence on public policy. Implementation of political reforms and changes in the electoral system, strengthening of repressive measures or, conversely, liberalizing the political regime, interference of international organizations or external actors.
Social crises. Social crises include mass protests, migration crises, rising crime, and deteriorating social conditions. They can be caused by inequality, unemployment, lack of social security, or discrimination.
Influence on public policy. Strengthening social programs and redistributing the budget in favor of the social sphere, tightening or softening migration policies, introducing reforms in education, health care and the labor market.
Environmental crises. Environmental crises include natural disasters (earthquakes, floods, forest fires), man-made disasters, and climate change. They often lead to humanitarian consequences and require a rapid response, including the development and implementation of environmental legislation and international agreements, state control of industrial enterprises, and investments in the development of renewable energy sources and disaster prevention technologies.
Humanitarian crises. Humanitarian crises can be caused by wars, epidemics, mass starvation, or forced migration. They require international intervention and coordination among different actors. In this aspect, the State develops humanitarian and refugee support programs, creates international coalitions to fight crises, and organizes health and social security systems.
Technological crises. Technological crises are associated with cyber attacks, man-made disasters, loss of control over digital technologies or artificial intelligence. In this area, government policy is focused on developing cybersecurity strategies and strengthening the protection of critical infrastructure, tight regulating technologies, including artificial intelligence and big data, and investing in science and innovation to prevent future technological threats.
In general, global crises represent challenges that require the State to be flexible and efficient in its decision-making. Depending on the type of crisis, States can introduce emergency measures, implement long-term reforms, or change strategic priorities. It is important that public policy not only responds to crises, but also seeks to prevent them by building sustainable institutions, forecasting risks, and international cooperation.
In the context of political globalization, Kazakhstan conducts a multi-vector foreign policy, which means balancing between the world's leading countries and regional unions.
Main directions:
Cooperation with Russia. The Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), the Collective Security Treaty Organization( CSTO), and close military and political ties.
Relations with China. Economic projects under the Belt and Road Initiative, the growing volume of Chinese investment.
Partnership with the West. Participation in UN programs, cooperation with the EU and the United States in the field of energy, technology, and education.
Regional diplomacy. Active participation in the Central Asian region, development of bilateral relations with Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan.
Domestic political changes under the influence of globalization in Kazakhstan are primarily political reforms and democratization. It should be noted that municipal processes stimulate the modernization of the political system of Kazakhstan, including the implementation of the constitutional reform of 2022 – the transition from a super – presidential model to a more balanced system, the removal of barriers to registration of political parties, the development of civil society-the expansion of freedom of speech, the creation of new social movements.
The active implementation of digitalization and Soft Power played a major role:
- analysis of the influence of social networks on politics(Telegram, Facebook, TikTok);
- integration of Western democratic institutions through the media and the Internet;
- strengthening state control over the information space.
Geopolitical global and regional instability for Kazakhstan creates new conditions for global challenges.
First, the conflict between Russia and Ukraine creates sanctions risks for Kazakhstan, as the country is economically linked to the Russian Federation.
Second, the expansion of China's influence raises public concerns about economic expansion.
Third, Central Asia is becoming a competitive arena for the United States, China, Russia, and Turkey.
In terms of such challenges as terrorism and cybersecurity, Kazakhstan faces threats of extremism and cyberattacks, so it actively participates in the CSTO and SCO anti-terrorist initiatives, develops national strategies and cybersecurity.
In the area of environmental policy and climate challenges , Kazakhstan supports global initiatives to combat climate change (the Paris Agreement), develops «green economy» and the transition to renewable energy (50% of energy from renewable sources by 2050).
The modern world is facing many crises: economic, political, environmental and social. Kazakhstan, as a dynamically developing state, is forced to adapt to these challenges by developing and implementing sustainable development strategies.
State strategies are aimed at maintaining economic stability, improving security, strengthening social policies, and promoting international cooperation. For example:
Economic strategies in crisis situations. Economic diversification
Reducing dependence on oil and gas exports. Development of non-primary industries: agriculture, manufacturing, IT technologies. Program of industrial and innovative development.
Support for small and medium-sized businesses. State programs of crediting and subsidizing. Simplification of the tax regime for entrepreneurs. Development of the digital economy and e-commerce.
Anti-crisis measures during the COVID-19 pandemic. Financial support for the population and businesses. Strengthening the healthcare system and digitalization of medical services. Introduction of new job creation programs.
Political and social strategies. Reform of the public administration system. Decentralizing power and strengthening the role of local authorities. Increase transparency and efficiency of public administration. Anti-corruption initiatives.
Development of social policy. Expanding social support for the poor. Reforms in the education and healthcare systems. Youth employment improvement programs.
National security and crisis management. Development of the civil defense system. Increasing resilience to cyber threats. Improving mechanisms for responding to natural and man-made disasters.
International cooperation in crisis situations. Participation in international organizations. Kazakhstan actively cooperates with the UN, the EAEU, the SCO and other international structures. Strengthening economic integration with partners in the Eurasian Economic Union. Development of diplomatic relations with key world powers.
Food and energy security. Development of the agro-industrial complex and increasing the level of self-sufficiency. Alternative energy sources and the green economy. Expansion of strategic food and energy reserves.
In modern conditions, Kazakhstan continues to improve state strategies, adapting them to global challenges. An integrated approach to economic, social and political stability allows the country to remain resilient even in times of crisis. In the future, the state will strive for further modernization, digitalization and sustainable development, ensuring the well-being of citizens and competitiveness in the international arena.
Therefore, political globalization is a complex and multifaceted process that has a profound impact on international relations and national States. It promotes cooperation, strengthens the role of international institutions and promotes democratic values, but at the same time causes problems associated with the loss of sovereignty and the strengthening of international contradictions. In the future, the international community and our State will have to find a balance between national interests and global challenges in order to ensure sustainable development and peaceful coexistence of States.