Lenz-Raymann, Kathrin
Securitization of Islam: A Vicious Circle

Counter-Terrorism and Freedom of Religion in Central Asia.

The study sheds light on religious policies and Islamic groups in Central Asia. The hypothesis of a vicious circle between repression and radicalization is tested with an agent-based computer simulation. Diverse Islamic groups have triggered a »revival of Islam« in Central Asia in the last decades. As a result, there has been a general securitization of Islam by the governments: not only do they combat the terrorist Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan but also outlaw popular groups such as the Gülen movement. However, strong repression of religion might lead to radicalization. Kathrin Lenz-Raymann tests this hypothesis with an agent-based computer simulation and enriches her study with interviews with international experts, leaders of political Islam and representatives of folk Islam. She concludes that ensuring religious rights is essential for national security. 324 Seiten mit einigen Abb., broschiert (global | local Islam/transcript Verlag 2014)