Islamic Radicalization in Central Asia

Central Asian political developments since 1989 have pushed both state and non-state actors in different directions over the issue of radical Islam. This paper reviews those developments and the responses from non-state actors to determine, ultimately, if Central Asian republics will become more susceptible to radical Islam and terrorism in the coming years. The five Central Asian States (Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan) and the Fergana Valley all show potential for a rise of radical influence, each for different reasons. The state actors have been reviewed in terms of social, economic and security stability while the non-state actors have been reviewed in terms of their stated goals and their demonstrated means of accomplishing them. Outside influence has also been considered, most notably from the United States, Russia, China, Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science in Defense and Strategic Studies

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Defense and Strategic Studies

Year

2012

Author dc:creator

• Zerega, Christopher J.

Contributors dc:contributor

• John Rose

• Radical Islam
• militancy
• Central Asia
• terrorism
• regional security
• Defense and Security Studies

Statement dc:rights

• © Christopher J. Zerega

Repository record dc:identifier

https://bearworks.missouristate.edu/theses/1365

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:bearworks.missouristate.edu:theses-2366