Rustem Mustafin, Head of the Center for Digital Social Sciences

A new Constitution was adopted in a nationwide referendum. It officially came into force on July 1, bringing to a close the era of the 1995 Basic Law. To understand the significance of these changes, they need to be viewed within a broader historical context.

A useful theoretical perspective is offered by philosopher Thomas Kuhn’s concept of scientific revolutions. Large systems do not change gradually, but rather through significant shifts: as long as the existing order is capable of addressing its tasks, it is preserved and improved. However, there comes a point when the previous model can no longer effectively resolve accumulated contradictions and requires systemic renewal.

This can be loosely compared to a smartphone that still works but no longer supports certain applications. For some time, it can be updated, but eventually there is a need to switch to a new-generation device. Something similar happens with state institutions.

kazpravda.kz