Governance challenges in security and social order: Rethinking drug policy in Kazakhstan

This article examines the governance challenges of drug policy in Kazakhstan within the broader context of public security and social order. It argues that the persistence of a repressive paradigm limits effectiveness, while preventive, interdisciplinary, and governance-based strategies are essential for modernization. The study applies a qualitative and interdisciplinary methodology, combining legal analysis, institutional assessment, and expert perspectives. Sources include legislative texts, statistical data, and secondary literature, supplemented by evaluations of the role of the Internet and social networks in reshaping narcotrafficking practices. The findings highlight three dimensions. First, Kazakhstan’s legal framework shows incremental progress in regulating precursors, sanctions for illicit trafficking, and the control of new psychoactive substances. Second, online platforms and social networks have fostered hybrid trafficking models with distinct criminal roles. Third, law enforcement agencies face governance and institutional constraints that undermine their ability to respond effectively to drug-related crime. The study concludes that rethinking Kazakhstan’s drug policy as an instrument of public security and social governance is essential for preserving social order, strengthening institutional capacity, and contributing to global debates on modern drug control strategies.