The Rising Tide of Extremism: Why Central Asian Youth Are Drawn to Terrorist Groups- An Inside Mind Theory

By Dr. Nishakant Ojha,

February 19, 2025 – In recent years, the increasing attraction of Central Asian youth to extremist and Takfiri groups has become a major security concern for regional governments and international security experts. The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict has further exacerbated these concerns, with reports of young migrant workers being recruited for extremist activities, mirroring past recruitment patterns observed during the conflicts in Syria and Iraq. Notably, the emergence of the Turan Battalion, a group composed of Turkic-speaking Central Asians fighting alongside Ukrainian forces against Russia, underscores the urgency of addressing radicalization among youth. Additionally, extremist propaganda spread by leaders like Idas Sadeghov has contributed to the rising tide of radicalism.

This article explores the underlying causes of this phenomenon, the role of external influences, and the measures being taken by governments to curb this threat, based on insights from experts across Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.

Roots of Radicalization

The radicalization of Central Asian youth is driven by a combination of social, economic, and political factors. Several key issues contribute to this growing problem. Countries such as Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan suffer from persistent poverty, high unemployment, and limited socio-economic opportunities. Dr. Kader Malekov, Director of the Religion, Politics, and Law Research Centre in Kyrgyzstan, highlights that over three decades of independence, Kyrgyzstan has experienced multiple coups, widespread corruption, and growing dissatisfaction with the secular governance model. Many disillusioned youths turn to extremist narratives that promise a sense of purpose, community, and financial incentives.

Migration and Exploitation

Millions of Central Asians migrate to Russia seeking employment, often facing exploitation, legal difficulties, and social alienation. According to Karimjan Yarov, an activist for migrant workers’ rights in Russia, the absence of integration programs and social support leaves these migrants vulnerable to extremist recruiters. These recruiters’ prey on their isolation and grievances, offering extremist ideology as a solution to their struggles.

Religious Misunderstanding and Limited Education

In some Central Asian countries, religious education is heavily restricted. Tajikistan, for example, prohibits Islamic teachings for individuals under eighteen, leading to a knowledge vacuum that extremist propagandists readily exploit. Many Tajik migrant workers in Russia develop their religious understanding from extremist content on social media, mistaking it for authentic Islamic teachings.

Influence of Radical Religious Ideologies

Kazakhstan presents a unique case where extremist ideologies have infiltrated even the highest echelons of power. Political expert and journalist Abdulmalik Sarmanov points to the influence of Salafi groups, which gained traction with support from influential figures like General Kairat Satybaldy. This infiltration emboldens extremist sympathizers and complicates government efforts to counter radical networks.

The Digital Battleground: Social Media as a Tool for Radicalization

Extremist groups have effectively utilized social media platforms to spread their propaganda. The internet has become a major tool for recruitment and indoctrination, particularly among young people with limited religious knowledge. Experts emphasize that the sermons and lectures of extremist preachers are often more accessible and engaging than state-backed religious teachings. These online materials promise belonging, purpose, and spiritual rewards, making radicalization an attractive path for disillusioned youth.

The influence of extremist ideologies extends beyond ideological support to the willingness of some individuals to engage in suicide attacks. Dr. Malekov notes that extremist propaganda convinces recruits that martyrdom operations provide a direct path to heaven. Psychological tactics used include:

· Exploiting feelings of injustice

· Social exclusion

· Spiritual ignorance

By manipulating these vulnerabilities, extremist groups create a mindset that views violence as a divine mission.

Government Responses: Arrests, Education, and Policy Shifts

Governments in Central Asia have implemented various strategies to counter radicalization, with mixed success. Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan initially responded to extremist threats with mass arrests and harsh prison sentences. However, this approach often backfires, as prisons become breeding grounds for further radicalization. Inmates influenced by extremist ideologies recruit others during incarceration, exacerbating the problem rather than solving it.

Uzbekistan has adopted a proactive strategy by easing restrictions on religious practices. Initiatives such as allowing the call to prayer from loudspeakers and permitting greater freedom in Islamic education have significantly reduced extremist recruitment in the country.

Experts stress the importance of integrating religious education into school curricula to provide youth with a correct understanding of Islamic principles. Equipping imams with modern

communication skills and enhancing their online presence is also crucial in countering extremist propaganda.

Collaborative efforts between governments and international organizations are essential for monitoring and dismantling extremist networks. Special attention must be given to migrant communities in Russia, where many Central Asian workers are targeted for recruitment.

The Path Forward: Addressing Root Causes

The rise of extremist tendencies among Central Asian youth is not an isolated issue but a multi-dimensional problem rooted in socio-economic challenges, political instability, religious ignorance, and online propaganda. Sustainable solutions require a comprehensive approach that includes:

· Economic Development: Creating more job opportunities within Central Asian countries to reduce dependence on migrant labor.

· Comprehensive Religious Education: Introducing balanced religious education in schools to counter extremist ideologies.

· Social Media Engagement: Governments and moderate religious leaders must use modern communication tools to educate and engage youth effectively.

· International Cooperation: Cross-border intelligence sharing and joint counter-terrorism operations are vital to disrupting extremist networks.

The radicalization of Central Asian youth is a complex issue requiring a multifaceted response. While security measures are necessary, they must be complemented by long-term solutions that address the underlying socio-economic and educational deficiencies. Without genuine efforts to improve governance, economic stability, and religious literacy, the region will remain vulnerable to extremist influences. Governments must prioritize comprehensive strategies that focus on prevention rather than just punishment. Only through a holistic and sustained effort can Central Asian nations protect their youth from extremist ideologies and work toward a more stable and peaceful future.

Prof. (Dr.) Nishakant Ojha is a Senior Advisor of the Global Policy Institute in Washington and the Director of the Global Policy Institute India. He is a globally acclaimed expert in counterterrorism and Strategy, who has influenced National Security Policies, providing strategic Defense guidance to multiple allied Nations.

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