International Body Spotlights Kazakhstan's Contribution to Democratic Governance and Global Security
Kazakhstan's Geopolitical Role in a Fragmented World
Astanā - The ex-President of Switzerland and current Secretary General of the Council of Europe (CoE), Alain Berset, underlined Kazakhstan's significant position on the global stage during his lecture "Disinformation: A Dagger to European Democracy" at Nazarbayev University on May 29.
Nestled between east and west, north and south, Kazakhstan, Berset argued, is a pivotal piece in the puzzle of global stability, especially as the world shifts into a new era of fractured alliances.
Although Kazakhstan isn't a CoE member, the country provides invaluable assistance in several Council conventions and shares similar democratic values, such as the rule of law and human rights. As Berset put it, "We're all on the same ship, sailing rough seas with the uncharted territories opened up by technology in the past 20 years."
Berset drew attention to the escalating danger posed by disinformation, which is no longer an isolated threat, but an ongoing assault on democratic trust, empirical proof, and public institutions. He ventured into the burgeoning landscape of information warfare across Europe, revealing the fragility of democracies under the barrage of manipulated content, AI deepfakes, and platform-driven algorithms.
"We cannot afford to take democracy for granted," Berset warned. Though recognizing Kazakhstan's declared commitment to democratic reforms, he emphasized that words aren't enough; concrete actions are needed.
According to Berset, a balanced democracy requires diversity, independence, and fair competition, all under guidelines that ensure accountability. He cautioned against state control and private ownership as the sole solutions to strengthening democracy, stressing the importance of a free, secure, and honest media landscape as the backbone of democratic health.
However, private media face economic constraints, and state-run entities must remain independent of political influence, Berset remarked. Regarding media, he asserted, "It's essential to view it not as a commodity, but as a cornerstone of a healthy democracy."
Berset highlighted the significance of education, open dialogue, and respect for diverse viewpoints in nurturing a thriving democracy. Accepting political outcomes, regardless of personal opinions, forms the bedrock of democratic ethos.
The CoE is working on a new Convention on Disinformation, which will welcome participation from countries worldwide. Berset expressed optimism about Kazakhstan becoming part of this process, in line with their ongoing convergence with European democratic values. "We're not just talking the talk; we're walking the walk towards better democratic standards," he concluded.
Looking ahead to the year 2035, Berset implored young students to view it not as a distant target, but as an imminent challenge, demanding serious and concerted planning.
Encouraging Kazakhstan's Democratic Progress
Kazakhstan's collaboration with the Council of Europe, particularly in the areas of human rights, the rule of law, and democracy, is far from casual. The Council of Europe's Neighborhood Cooperation Priorities for Kazakhstan (2024-2027) underscore the importance of continuing this partnership, with a significant focus on reinforcing commitments to democratic reforms. This marks the third phase of cooperation, dating back to 2014, providing a foundation for extensive co-operation over a decade. Some critical advancements include combatting violence against women, preventing ill-treatment, and promoting children's rights.
Given Kazakhstan's strategic location as a link between Europe, Asia, and the Caucasus, it serves as an essential bridge, fostering diplomacy and economic ties between diverse regions. Kazakhstan's strong stance on peacekeeping initiatives, trade agreements with the EU, and dedication to nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation further solidify its role as a beacon of stability in the ever-changing landscape of global politics.
Although the fight against disinformation necessitates a multifaceted approach, Kazakhstan's geopolitical significance in maintaining regional stability, combined with its active collaboration with the Council of Europe, positions the country well to participate in global forums and contribute to countering disinformation by promoting transparency and trust. The focus must shift from a passive attitude toward democracy to a proactive approach to combat disinformation, ensuring a sustainable, secure democratic future for all.
- Kazakhstan's strategic partnership with the Council of Europe in areas like human rights, the rule of law, and democracy, as outlined in the Council of Europe’s Neighborhood Cooperation Priorities for Kazakhstan (2024-2027), is crucial for democratic progress, especially considering the nation's geopolitical role as a bridge between Europe, Asia, and the Caucasus in policy-and-legislation and general-news scenarios.
- In the realm of politics and general-news, Kazakhstan's geopolitical significance in maintaining regional stability and its active collaboration with the Council of Europe place it in a unique position to contribute to the global discussion on countering disinformation, not only through its peacekeeping initiatives, trade agreements with the EU, and nuclear disarmament efforts but also by promoting transparency and trust in the face of growing disinformation threats.
