Internet Censorship in Authoritarian Contexts: A Case Study of Kazakhstan.
This article explores the mechanisms and actors of internet censorship in Kazakhstan, situating the case within broader frameworks of digital authoritarianism. Drawing on qualitative research methods, including semi-structured interviews with 17 informants and thematic analysis, the study uncovers a...
| Publicado en: | Journal of Eurasian Studies Vol. 17; no. 2; pp. 306 - 322 |
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| Formato: | Artículo |
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Sage Publications Inc.
Summer2026
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| Acceso en línea: | Ver este registro en EBSCOhost |
| fields | @attributes: recordID: 1 pdfLink: plink: https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ssf&AN=195687532&site=ehost-live header: @attributes: shortDbName: ssf uiTerm: 195687532 longDbName: Social Sciences Full Text (H.W. Wilson) uiTag: AN controlInfo: bkinfo: jinfo: jid: 18793665 B7KV jtl: Journal of Eurasian Studies issn: 18793665 maglogo: Y pubinfo: dt: Summer2026 vid: 17 iid: 2 pid: 344 pub: Sage Publications Inc. artinfo: ui: 195687532 10.1177/18793665251411329 ppf: 306 ppct: 16 formats: tig: atl: Internet Censorship in Authoritarian Contexts: A Case Study of Kazakhstan. aug: au: Rakhmetov, Baurzhan affil: Maqsut Narikbayev University, Astana, Kazakhstan su: Kazakhstan State power Authoritarianism Political participation Mass media policy Internet censorship Internet content regulation Countries sug: subj: State power Authoritarianism Political participation Mass media policy Kazakhstan Internet censorship Internet content regulation Countries keyword: digital authoritarianism information control internet censorship internet shutdown website blocking digital authoritarianism information control internet censorship internet shutdown website blocking ab: This article explores the mechanisms and actors of internet censorship in Kazakhstan, situating the case within broader frameworks of digital authoritarianism. Drawing on qualitative research methods, including semi-structured interviews with 17 informants and thematic analysis, the study uncovers a deeply institutionalised and multifaceted censorship regime. Kazakhstani authorities employ a dual strategy encompassing digital tools, such as website blocking, internet shutdowns, throttling, and bot-driven manipulation, and administrative resources, including state procurement, journalist accreditation restrictions, informal directives, and direct interventions. The censorship system is coordinated by a hierarchical network of state actors, led by the Administration of the President of Kazakhstan and implemented through the Ministry of Culture and Information. The findings highlight how, rather than fostering political participation or free expression, the internet in Kazakhstan operates as a tightly regulated space that serves authoritarian governance objectives. This research contributes to the understanding of contemporary digital authoritarianism, providing insights into the evolving nature of state power and information control in authoritarian contexts. pubtype: Academic Journal doctype: Article src: R language: English refInfo: copyright: @attributes: flag: N holdings: @attributes: islocal: N |
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