Generation Z and political culture amid reforms in Kazakhstan: a case study of Almaty

Introduction This study examines the transformation of youth political culture in Kazakhstan in the context of political reforms and digitalization, with a focus on university students in Almaty. Although existing scholarship on youth political participation has primarily concentrated on democratic settings and formal modes of engagement, less attention has been given to the evolution of youth political culture in hybrid or semi-authoritarian regimes, particularly in relation to digitally mediated participation. To address this gap, the study conceptualizes political culture through cognitive, attitudinal, and behavioral dimensions, with particular emphasis on political interest, perceptions of reforms, institutional trust, and participation practices. Methods The research employs a convergent mixed-methods design. Quantitative data were collected through a structured survey administered to university students in Almaty ( N = 563) and analyzed using descriptive statistics, cross-tabulation, and Pearson’s correlation analysis to identify patterns of political interest, participation, and digital engagement. Qualitative data were subsequently obtained through an expert questionnaire involving 13 specialists in political science, education, and civil society and analyzed through thematic and content analysis in order to contextualize and interpret the quantitative findings. Results The findings reveal a growing political interest among young people, accompanied by a shift from conventional institutional participation toward digitally mediated forms of civic expression. At the same time, persistent structural constraints and low levels of institutional trust continue to limit sustained offline engagement. Discussion The study contributes to the literature by refining existing models of youth political culture in hybrid regimes. It demonstrates that the transformation of youth political culture is increasingly shaped by digital practices and reform-oriented perceptions rather than by formal political participation alone.