Religion, Politics, and Security in Central Asia

In: SAIS Review, Band 21, Heft 2, S. 65-89

Abstract

An exploration of religion & politics in Central Asia notes that neither Islam nor liberal democracy has filled the ideological vacuum left by the collapse of communism. Instead, the rapid growth of Islam has been accompanied by the formation of political systems described as "secular authoritarianisms." It is argued that the Taliban's seizure of power in Afghanistan had a significant impact on the political dynamics in Central Asia. The threat of Islamic extremism has led to a strengthening of authoritarian tendencies & a lessening of democratic freedoms. The seriousness of the threat is evaluated in relation to each state's historical experiences, internal conditions, regional rivalries/disputes, & international interests. It is concluded that the legacy of the Russo-Afghan conflict has hindered post-independence nation-building; the intensification of regional rivalries has worsened internal development while created an unpredictable external environment; Islam's cultural/political growth has stifled democratic trends; radicalization has increased authoritarianism; & the pursuit of their own interests on the part of international forces has enhanced the growth of Islamic radicalism. J. Lindroth