Kazakh MP pushes for military-patriotic education to reshape national identity

Natalya Dementyeva, a member of Kazakhstan’s Mazhilis, is pushing for stronger military-patriotic education across the country. Her efforts focus on modernising training, fostering patriotism, and ensuring public trust in the armed forces. Her own son’s military service has shaped her views on the importance of defence as a personal responsibility. Dementyeva’s approach centres on a unified system of military-patriotic education. This includes basic military training, military-patriotic clubs, and lessons on national history. She also stresses the need for information-ideological support to reinforce patriotism and counter harmful narratives.

Her son, Adikhan, completed his mandatory service in December 2021. She described the experience as a crucial stage in his development, teaching discipline and resilience. For her, military service should be viewed not just as an obligation but as an honour. To strengthen the system, Dementyeva calls for closer cooperation between families, schools, and the state. She actively takes part in conscription campaigns and regularly visits military units. At the same time, she insists on maintaining public and parliamentary oversight to ensure the safety and fair treatment of servicemembers.

The proposed system aims to create a culture where defending the homeland is seen as a personal duty. By combining education, public engagement, and strict oversight, Dementyeva seeks to build a stronger, more trusted military. Her work reflects a broader effort to tie national identity to service and responsibility.