Partycypacja czy subordynacja? „Sprawiedliwy Kazachstan” jako idea przewodnia w retoryce prezydenckiej Kasyma-Żomarta Tokajewa .......... 287

PARTICIPATION OR SUBORDINATION? ‘JUST KAZAKHSTAN’ AS A REGULATORY IDEA IN THE PRESIDENTIAL RHETORIC OF KASSYM-JOMART TOKAYEV

This chapter discusses the presidential rhetoric of Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. It presents the concept of a ‘Just Kazakhstan,’ which has been a central theme in the president’s speeches since 2022. The text highlights how Tokayev alters the meaning of the ‘Just Kazakhstan’ depending on the context in which the phrase is employed. During his presidential campaign, Tokayev emphasised the need to democratise state institutions, promote the rule of law, and reduce privileges misused by the state apparatus and elites. However, his current compass has shifted to promoting greater discipline among the Kazakhstani people, combating crime, addressing social issues, and enhancing internal security. This shift could indicate a narrowing of Kazakhstan’s modernisation agenda. While Tokayev continues to stress the importance of socio-economic reforms, he does not prioritise dismantling the authoritarian state or empowering citizens. Although he claims willingness to reform state institutions and activate Kazakh society, Tokayev’s proposals in these areas remain vague and appear to advocate for a gradual, top-down transformation. Therefore, building a ‘Just Kazakhstan’ means improving the functioning of the state apparatus and society. However, the achievement of these aims is not necessarily linked to liberalisation of the political regime. To analyse presidential rhetoric in Kazakhstan, the concept of the “second person” is referenced, which was introduced into critical rhetorical studies by Edwin Black a few decades ago. Although this concept has been interpreted and reworked in various ways, it remains a significant source of inspiration. By examining this concept, we aim to understand how Tokayev envisions the future development of Kazakh society and its involvement in exercising public power.