The Influence of Political Interest and Participation on Satisfaction with Authorit arian Regimes: A Comparative Analysis of Russia and Kazakhstan

Abstract

This study explores the relationship between political interest, political participation, and regime satisfaction in two post-Soviet authoritarian countries: Russia and Kazakhstan. Drawing on data from the 2018 World Values Survey, the analysis categorizes political participation into institutional, non-institutional, and internet-based forms. Using OLS regression models, the study finds that institutional participation, particularly voting, is positively and significantly associated with regime satisfaction in both countries. Non-institutional forms of participation, such as protests, show a negative relationship with regime trust, especially in Kazakhstan. Although internet-based participation does not demonstrate a statistically significant impact, differences in direction between the two countries suggest varying digital political dynamics. The findings highlight that institutional engagement plays a key role in stabilizing authoritarian regimes, while non-institutional activism reflects underlying dissatisfaction. This research contributes to our understanding of authoritarian durability and the role of individual political behavior in hybrid regimes.