Problems of the fight against international terrorism and religious extremism in Central Asia

Abstract

International terrorism and religious extremism have become a serious threat to the security of Central Asian states. The region is witnessing an increasing Islamization of the population, and the position of traditional Islam is seriously weakened. The Islamization of the population is accompanied by a deep socio-economic crisis, which is observed in almost all states of Central Asia. Under these conditions, the republics of the region are trying to resist Islamism, introducing ever new restrictive measures against religious organizations (especially Uzbekistan), involving civil society to fight extremism (Kazakhstan), and allowing the party to operate on a religious basis (Tajikistan). The republics of the region are constantly searching for new ways to counter terrorism and religious extremism. Terrorism in its scope, cruelty, consequences has become one of the worst problems of mankind. The states of the region are increasingly struggling with this phenomenon and be developing new approaches to countering terrorism, and be signing various conventions. But terrorism, in response to active countermeasures are adapting, recruiting new followers, and finding the new ways of financing. In these conditions, the need for continuous study and exchange of experience in countering terrorism and religious extremism between states and the introduction of effective methods to combat the global threat is growing. This article discusses the causes of increased extremism and terrorism in the Central Asian region, a set of objective and subjective factors, the influence of social processes on the emergence of mass extremism. In this context, the problems associated with decision-making in various regional counter-terrorism organizations are examined.