Survey: Kazakhstanis Trust Army’s Defense Capability but Worry About Hazing and Corruption

Most Kazakhstanis believe the Armed Forces are capable of defending the country from external threats, though concerns remain about hazing, corruption, and outdated equipment, Orda.kz reports.

A survey by the DEMOSCOPE public opinion bureau found that 66.9% of respondents trust the national army to repel aggression. Of these, 31.9% are completely confident, while 35% consider it highly likely.

At the same time, many expressed doubts, and about one in ten are convinced the army would not be able to cope at all.

Sociologists noted that hazing in particular affects young people’s willingness to serve.

One in three said they would worry if a close relative received a draft notice: 21.9% would support service but remain worried, 6.5% would seek legal ways to avoid it, and 2.9% would turn to unofficial means.

Meanwhile, 40% would fully support their relative’s decision, and 23.5% would prefer not to interfere.

Among young people aged 18–29, only 32.4% would unconditionally support a relative serving, compared to 41.3% overall. Nearly half favor switching fully to a contract-based army.

Despite these concerns, trust levels remain high: almost two-thirds of respondents trust the armed forces, just over 20% are neutral, and only 13% express distrust. Views on the likelihood of Kazakhstan being involved in military conflict within the next five years are mixed: 14% say it is possible, 28% see moderate likelihood, while 42.9% reject the possibility.

When asked about military alliances, 31% preferred cooperation with Russia and the CSTO, 27.5% with NATO, 22.6% with China, and 20% with Central Asian countries.

Another 18.4% said Kazakhstan should remain neutral.

Military service itself is still widely respected: 69.9% consider it a prestigious profession. As for the future of the army, 36.6% supported a full transition to contract service, 36.5% supported universal conscription, and 17% favored keeping the current mixed model.

Original Author: Ruslan Loginov