EVOLUTION OF CIVIC PARTICIPATION IN MAINTAINING PUBLIC ORDER IN THE POST-SOVIET SPACE: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF RUSSIA, KAZAKHSTAN, BELARUS, AND TAJIKISTAN

Аннотация

This article examines the evolution of civic participation in maintaining public order across four post-Soviet states – Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, and Tajikistan. The study traces the transformation of the Soviet legacy of voluntary people’s militias (druzhiny) into contemporary models, identifying their differences and commonalities. Through a comparative analysis of legal frameworks (Russia’s Federal Law No. 44-FZ, Kazakhstan’s Law No. 590, Belarus’s Law No. 214-Z, and Tajikistan’s Law No. 1969) and historical data, the research explores the influence of political systems, democratic development, and socio-economic conditions on these models. Special attention is given to historical parallels, including the Timurid experience, and their relevance to modernizing these systems. The article concludes with recommendations for improving legislation and fostering regional cooperation. This work contributes to understanding state-society interactions in the post-Soviet space, emphasizing the need to adapt traditions to contemporary challenges to enhance public safety. Keywords: civic participation, public order, post-Soviet space, people’s militias, Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Tajikistan, political systems, socio- economic factors, historical legacy, Timurids, legislation, public safety.