Kazakhstan: Territorial defence, information security, and lessons from history Expert opinions on Caliber.Az

Kazakhstan is strengthening its internal front — the country is establishing territorial defence forces. The draft law has already been approved by the Senate and could significantly change the national approach to security.

"The law has been developed to regulate public relations and establish the legal foundations of state policy in the field of territorial defence," reads the conclusion of the Senate Committee on International Relations, Defence, and Security.

According to the document, the territorial defence system will include territorial troops, law enforcement forces, special units, and volunteers.

Under martial law and during wartime, even without an official declaration of mobilisation, territorial defence units may be formed. These units can be deployed to guard settlements and key facilities, construct fortifications, and organise evacuation efforts.

In the event of a threat, the state will have the right to use buildings, equipment, and other material assets belonging to citizens and organisations, with subsequent compensation at market value. The law also obliges large companies to strengthen infrastructure and ensure the protection of their facilities in case of emergencies.

Similar formations exist in many countries and are typically employed only during wartime. However, even in peacetime, they regularly conduct training exercises to maintain combat readiness.

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has also instructed authorities to strengthen the country's information security. He made the statement during a visit to the National Security Committee, where he was briefed on the work of operational and technical units, according to the presidential press service.

During the meeting, Tokayev stressed the importance of factoring in risks in the sphere of information security and ensuring the reliable operation of critical systems. He outlined a number of specific tasks aimed at improving efficiency in this domain.

What threats may have prompted such measures? What risks are being considered? Could this be a pre-emptive signal from Astana to certain forces or states that might be harbouring destabilising intentions toward Kazakhstan?

Leading Kazakh experts shared their views on these questions with Caliber.Az.

Political analyst Aidar Amrebayev noted that the modern world is unstable and fraught with risks: “Our country lies within the sphere of interest of major global powers. In addition, Kazakhstan continues to attract the attention of destructive forces capable of undermining our sovereignty and threatening territorial integrity. In this context, the draft law is a preventive measure aimed at preparing the population for potential threats. A strong state must be ready to mobilise all resources to repel aggression! We must draw lessons from contemporary conflicts — whether it’s the Russia–Ukraine war, the Palestinian–Israeli confrontation, or tensions between India and Pakistan… These are serious signals of our troubling times.”

According to the expert, Kazakhstan is entangled in the dynamics of information, trade, and technological warfare: “I believe the head of state is paying close attention to these issues. Minimising damage from sanctions and trade pressure, countering information warfare and various hybrid tactics that influence public consciousness and provoke instability — these are all vital for the country’s sustainable development. It’s clear that this is what underlies the government’s actions.”

Political scientist and scholar Zhaxylyk Sabitov noted that, despite overall calm in Kazakhstan, certain risks remain: “In reality, these risks are small, but they cannot be ignored. Kazakhstan is a peaceful country; all border issues were settled back in the 1990s and 2000s. However, given the geopolitical instability, one must always be prepared for challenges — including those transmitted through media and internet resources, sometimes by politicians from neighbouring countries. There is a good Roman proverb: ‘If you want peace, prepare for war.’ The creation of territorial defence forces and other measures are part of this preventative work.”

He emphasised that Kazakhstan does not initiate aggression but is ready to respond: “This is not directed against anyone. Territorial defence is not meant to confront the armies of major powers, but such measures are necessary for any country in an unstable environment, especially when questions arise about statehood, borders, or territories. Even if the probability of threat is 10–15%, ready response scenarios must be in place. Territorial defence is part of those scenarios.”

Commentator Kazbek Beisembayev believes the decision to establish territorial defence forces was driven by internal circumstances: “The issue arose after the January 2022 events. At that time, law enforcement and special services effectively withdrew, and the troops remained in their barracks. To restore order, assistance from the CSTO was needed. Residents of Almaty’s districts independently organised defence squads and maintained order. This experience laid the foundation for the concept of territorial defence — in an emergency, volunteers will be able to protect their own neighbourhoods and facilities.”

He added that the war in Ukraine acted as a catalyst: “The idea of creating territorial defence accelerated amid the Ukrainian conflict. In this context, President Tokayev’s visit to the National Security Committee is also significant. Regarding information security, Kazakhstan is becoming a battleground for informational confrontations. One example is the preparations for the 80th anniversary of Victory in World War II. There are many such topics on social media. Apparently, the president has instructed to take preventive measures in this area.”