The spread of Islamic radical ideology in post- Soviet Central Asian states. The cases of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan

Details

Supervisors

Rihoux, Benoît ; Vuillemenot, Anne-Marie

Faculty

Faculté des sciences économiques, sociales, politiques et de communication

Degree label

Master [120] en sciences politiques, orientation générale

Abstract

Present research aims to examine the phenomena of dissemination and influence of radical Islamic ideology in three Central Asian post-Soviet countries: Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. Specifically, the research aspires to examine the main drivers that compel Central Asians to join extremist radical Islamic groups. Also, it encompasses a number of contemporary problems and obstacles that the newly independent states encounter and discusses policies that have been adapted in order to suppress propaganda of extremist ideology in all three case countries. Present research considers economic malperformance, oppressive states’ measures, lack of transparency and non-democratic rule as factors leading to radicalisation of Central Asian citizens. It is also assumed that the threat of radicalism is manipulated by the authorities in order to strengthen surveillance over population. However, the research does not deny that processes of radicalisation are present in all three states, but they are exploited in order to enforce the new contradictory legislation with ambiguous definitions causing difficulties in implementation and infringe rights and freedoms of Central Asian citizens. Besides, the research examines socio-economic situation and its impact on recruitment of new adherents in extremist Islamic organisations. The produced results are based on analysis of semi-structured interviews with regional and international experts, and examination of recent studies.