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CHAPTER 14. PUBLIC POLICY IN THE CONTEXT OF GLOBALIZATION AND CRISES

 

14.5 The role of international organizations and supranational regulation in Kazakhstan's state policy.


International organizations and supranational regulation play an important role in shaping the state policy of Kazakhstan, contributing to its integration into the world community. Participation in global and regional institutions allows a country to develop its economy, maintain security, improve its legal system, and strengthen diplomatic ties.

Kazakhstan in the system of international organizations.

Kazakhstan is a member of more than 70 international organizations, including the UN, OSCE, WTO, EAEU, SCO, OIC and others. Each of these structures has an impact on different areas of public policy.

The UN and its specialized agencies. Kazakhstan has been an active member of the UN since gaining independence in 1992. Main areas of interaction:

- participation in peacekeeping missions;

- Support for global nuclear disarmament initiatives;

- development of environmental and climate policy;

- in support of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs);

Through the programs of UNDP, UNESCO, WHO and other UN agencies, the country receives expertise, technical and financial support in the field of socio-economic development.

OSCE: Democratization and human rights.

The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) influences:

- development of democratic institutions;

- monitoring of elections and political processes;

- support for human rights and freedom of speech.

Kazakhstan held the OSCE chairmanship in 2010, which strengthened its international standing.

WTO: Impact on the economy.

Kazakhstan's accession to the WTO in 2015 contributed to:

- liberalization of trade;

- facilitating access of Kazakhstani goods to world markets;

- harmonization of customs and trade regulations with international standards.

However, participation in the WTO requires Kazakhstan to adapt legislation and reduce trade barriers, which can create challenges for the national industry.

Regional organizations and their role.

Kazakhstan actively participates in regional associations that have a significant impact on its state policy.

The Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).

The EAEU is the largest economic association that includes Kazakhstan, Russia, Belarus, Armenia and Kyrgyzstan. Impact of the EAEU on Kazakhstan's policy:

- formation of the single economic space;

- harmonization of trade and customs regulations;

- development of a common industrial and agricultural policy;

However, membership in the EAEU raises discussions about sovereignty, since some economic decisions are made at the supranational level.

Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

The SCO unites Kazakhstan, Russia, China, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, India, Pakistan and Iran. Main areas of cooperation:

- fight against terrorism, extremism and drug trafficking;

- economic cooperation and transport corridors;

- energy security.

Through the SCO, Kazakhstan is strengthening its partnership with China and other countries by developing infrastructure under the Belt – and Road Initiative.

Organization of the Turkic States (OTG).

Kazakhstan plays a key role in AHS, developing cultural, economic and political cooperation with Turkic-speaking countries. The impact of AH is expressed in:

- strengthening national identity and language policy;

- development of transport corridors and trade;

- support for general educational and cultural initiatives.

Supranational regulation and its impact.

Supranational regulatory mechanisms are manifested in the economic, legal and social spheres.

Economic policy:

- Support for macroeconomic stability through the recommendations of international financial institutions (IMF, World Bank);

- Investment in infrastructure through the Asian Development Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development;

- harmonization of tax and financial policies within the EAEU.

Legal regulation:

- and the implementation of international standards in national legislation;

- bringing the norms of criminal and civil law in line with UN conventions;

- development of anti-corruption mechanisms under the influence of the Group of States against Corruption (GRECO).

Social sphere:

- approval of international standards of education and healthcare;

- development of labor legislation in accordance with the standards of the ILO (International Labor Organization);

- support for social programs through grants from international foundations.

Thus, international organizations and supranational regulation have a significant impact on the state policy of Kazakhstan. They contribute to economic growth, security, social development, and integration into the global community. However, participation in international institutions requires Kazakhstan to be flexible in maintaining its sovereignty and adapting its national interests to global processes.

In general, in the context of globalization and geopolitical conflicts, and in the period of rapid development of scientific, technological, and digital progress, it is impossible for states to exist without their interaction. Their interaction can be carried out through both economic and political relations. In the modern world, it is with the help of international organizations that cooperation between States is carried out. International organizations not only regulate interstate relations, but also make decisions on global issues of our time.

 

Test items in surveys

 

  1. How does globalization affect the state policy and sovereignty of national States?
  2. What mechanisms do States use to ensure economic stability in the face of global crises?
  3. What role does international cooperation play in shaping public policy in times of crisis?
  4. Does digitalization affect public administration in the face of global challenges?
  5. How do States balance national interests and international obligations in crisis situations?
  6. What strategies do developed and developing countries use to minimize the impact of global financial crises?
  7. How has the COVID-19 pandemic changed public policy priorities at the global level?
  8. How does the role of the state in the economy change during periods of global crises and recessions?
  9. What challenges and opportunities for public policy do international sanctions pose?
  10. How does the social policy of states change during periods of global upheaval?

 

Questions for discussion

 

  1. How does the social policy of states change during periods of global cataclysms (COVID-19)?
  2. Is there any way to mitigate or ease international sanctions against one State or a number of States?
  3. Digitalization as a global phenomenon: pros and cons.

 

Case studies

 

Case 1. «Public policy in response to the economic crisis».

Country N experienced a sharp economic downturn caused by the global recession. The unemployment rate is growing rapidly, the currency is devaluing, the purchasing power of the population is decreasing, and social tensions are increasing. Businesses are suffering from falling demand and rising import prices.

Task:

1) Develop a set of anti-crisis measures:

- short-term (for 3-6 months);

- medium-term projects (up to 2 years).

- long-term (up to 5 years).

2) Suggest mechanisms to support the most vulnerable groups of the population.

3) Which sectors of the economy should be supported as a priority and why?

4) What fiscal and monetary policy tools can be used?

5) Assess the political risks of implementing anti-crisis measures: possible protests, reduced confidence in the authorities.

6) Develop a government communication plan with the public: how to explain measures, communicate goals, and reassure the public?

 

Case 2. «Global pandemic and government measures».

In country N, the spread of a dangerous virus begins. The World Health Organization declares a pandemic. States are closing borders, disrupting supply chains, reducing international trade, and triggering a health crisis. Society is becoming polarized: some of the population is demanding tough measures, while others are defending civil liberties.

Task:

1) Develop a government response plan:

- health care measures;

- restrictions on movement and mass events;

- information policy.

2) What measures of economic support for businesses and citizens are most effective?

3) How to balance restrictive measures and constitutional rights of citizens?

4) Suggest possible legislative changes (temporary or permanent) that will allow you to act quickly in an emergency.

5) What risks are associated with the growth of executive powers in the context of a pandemic?

6) Suggest a strategy to restore confidence in government institutions after the crisis ends.

 

Case 3. «International sanctions and their impact on state policy».

Large-scale international sanctions have been imposed against country N: assets are frozen, export and import restrictions are imposed, the supply of high-tech products is prohibited, and access to the international banking system is blocked. The domestic economy is under strong pressure, and isolation trends are intensifying.

Task:

1) Develop a strategy for adapting to sanctions pressure:

- internal economic restructuring;

- search for new foreign economic partners;

- development of localization of production.

2) How can the state support key sectors of the economy that are under attack?

3) What are possible retaliatory measures or diplomatic steps?

4) Analyze what domestic political changes can be triggered by sanctions (increased centralization, increased propaganda, protest moods).

5) What are the risks associated with the reconfiguration of the foreign policy course?

6) Develop a plan for long-term technological sovereignty: in what areas is independence critical, and what measures will ensure it?