Islamic extremism and regional alignments in Central Asia

Abstract

This study demonstrates that the regional alignments and realignments in Central Asia during the post-Soviet decade have been greatly influenced by the rise of Islamic extremism. The recent escalation of Islamic radicalism serves as an axis for a number of regional alignments in Central Asia, but their viability is questioned. The causes of Islamic revivalism are elaborated. The effects of geopolitical position on the internal and external policies of Central Asian states are analyzed.